The much-anticipated ABC Pro Basketball League Season 4 was officially inaugurated on July 6, 2025, at the Rajaram Bhiku Pathare Stadium in Kharadi, Pune, in a spectacular event that celebrated the spirit of youth, sportsmanship, and national development. The inauguration was graced by Smt. Raksha Khadse, Honourable Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, whose presence lent weight to the league’s growing stature and its alignment with India’s broader vision for youth and sports.
A Vision for Viksit Bharat Through Sports
The commencement of Season 4 is a major milestone in the evolution of grassroots basketball in India and directly supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). It aligns with the guiding principles of ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’, a comprehensive sports policy framework focused on enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and excellence in sports across the nation.
The ABC Pro Basketball League is a key platform for discovering, developing, and highlighting young talent. It significantly contributes to India’s sports ecosystem by promoting fitness and offering structured coaching to support youth growth and excellence in sports.
Inaugural Highlights: A Celebration of Passion and Unity
The day’s schedule began with the First Match at 4:00 PM, igniting the spirit of competition and enthusiasm among the players and spectators alike. This was followed by the official Inauguration Ceremony at 5:15 PM, which included:
- Trophy Unveiling by Smt. Raksha Khadse
- National Anthem and a dignified March Pass by the participating teams
- A spirited Exhibition Match showcasing top-tier talent
- Address to players and attendees by Smt. Khadse
In her address, Smt. Raksha Khadse highlighted the government’s strong focus on empowering youth through sports. She stated, “The ABC Pro Basketball League reflects the energy of our young generation and our shared dream of becoming a sporting powerhouse. Each point scored and every smart pass brings us closer to a stronger, healthier, and more united India.”
She further commended the relentless efforts of the ABC Fitness Firm, the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), and all supporting partners for building a professional, grassroots-first sporting platform that gives real opportunities to aspiring athletes.
Building the Next Generation of Sports Stars
This season’s selection process was both rigorous and inclusive, ensuring the best talent is brought to the forefront. Out of 5,000+ aspirants from across Maharashtra, 1,000 elite players were shortlisted through trials and competitive auctions. Finally, 310 young athletes were selected to join 19 teams in Under-14 and Under-17 categories for both boys and girls.
These selections highlight the league’s serious commitment to merit-based inclusion and talent development, as well as its role in strengthening the grassroots pipeline of Indian basketball.
A Stellar Line-Up of Supporters and Team Owners
The event also saw participation from a distinguished array of dignitaries, team owners, and local leaders who have been instrumental in nurturing basketball culture in India. Notable attendees included:
- Mr. Surendra Pathare (Surendra Pathare Foundation)
- Mr. Suresh Mishra & Mr. Edward Kacherikar (Kolhapur Jaguars)
- Mr. Vijay Sule & Mr. Sadanand Sule (Mumbai Snipers)
- Mr. Anshul Jain & Mr. Kevin Francis (Hi 5 RS)
- Mr. Indraneel Chitale (Pune Chitale Warriors)
- Mr. Rahul Chinta & Mr. Onkar Sable (Supernova Thane Tigers)
- Ms. Amruta & Mr. Harshal Birati (Nashik Court Crusaders)
- Mr. Jitendra Chouksey (Pune Fittr Warriors)
- Mr. Rohit Pawar (Ahilyanagar Storms)
- Ms. Mayara & Ms. Deepti Sharma (Multifit Nagpur Warriors)
- Mr. Abhishek Sinha (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Trinita Heats)
- Ms. Smita Patil (SSPL Nanded Jaguars)
- Mr. Aakash, Mr. Vishal & Mr. Sagar (PCMC Stallions)
- Mr. Shashank Goenka (Mumbai Bears)
- Ms. Leena Khade & Mr. Tushar Barve (Satara Champs)
- Mr. Ankush Chaudhari (Khandesh Heats)
Their presence reaffirmed the league’s credibility and the broad-based support it commands from across the country’s socio-sporting landscape.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Season of Passion, Progress, and Play
As the ABC Pro Basketball League enters its fourth season, it brings not only world-class indoor facilities and structured coaching but also a renewed promise to the youth of India: that talent, when nurtured and provided with the right platform, can rise to any challenge.
With fierce competition, strategic gameplay, and a shared passion for basketball, Season 4 is set to be the most exhilarating yet, not just as a sporting event, but as a movement towards national transformation through youth and sports.
The ABC Pro Basketball League has already set a high standard, and with such vibrant energy at the inauguration, it’s clear that this league is not just changing the game — it is changing lives.
