Game On

by SABHYATA TIMSINA

FROM ISSUE # 166 (October 2009) | IN THIS ISSUE
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ANUP PRAKASH

When Neha Choudhary tells you she was born to play basketball, she isn't kidding. Her focused demeanour betrays her zeal for the game.

Now, after eight years of dribbling, she fondly looks back at the 6th grader who had no idea she would one day come to live, breathe and dream the game. There's no exaggeration implied when one says Neha's second home is the basketball court and practice, a part of her daily diet. "I never saw practice as a chore because there is no place in this game for you if you do. Practice is part of the fun." she says.

Currently left post player for Goldengate Club, Neha learnt all the tricks of the trade during her time with Rato Bangala Club. Early morning practice, overtime after school, endless laps and tiring weekends gave birth to a team of girls that were among the best in Nepal. Looking up to her seniors in the team, Neha turned herself into a well-rounded player. "Besides that, I derive inspiration from Manu Ginobli. He gives his life for the game," says Neha.

At 15, she already had a highest scorer award. There was no looking back after that. She soon had a hoard of awards flashing on her mantelpiece. Of all her achievements she regards the 'Most Valued Player' award she received in the Samsung National Basketball Tournament 2007 as her most significant. Recalling her moment of glory she says, "I've replayed this scene in my head a thousand times and it still overwhelms me. That might have been where I reached my peak as a sportsperson."

On court, Neha is there to give her best, not just to win. She confesses she has had miserable days on court. "Sometimes, I can't score a single point but I can't just slack off. I need to come up with some way to contribute to the game," she says.

Asked whether a Nepali girls' basketball team could face off with an international team, she jokes, "Maybe we can, but the problem is us Nepalis are kind of height impaired."

The real problem, however, is that these girls have never been allowed enough exposure through games with teams from other countries. "We have the resources and the best coaches; all we need now is for the government to take our potential seriously," Neha says. "And maybe more merciful audiences that respect the game and push the team instead of calling out embarrassing names. That's dispiriting."

Sadly Neha sees a bleak future for herself in the game of basketball. Like all the senior players of her team she fears she'll have to give it up altogether. "Every game, every tournament I play these days, I fear it might be my last." When life takes over, Neha will have to pack everything up and embrace her responsibilities towards her studies and career. That's where the end of the line is for most girls playing basketball in Nepal: they have to give up their dreams and accept their talents will go to waste.

All we can do is hope she finds a way to keep on doing what she loves best, and who knows, perhaps one day we will be treated to the sight of a tall and proud Neha flashing a gold medal in the SAF games, if not the Olympics.