Pune: Undri Resident Aanaya Bhavsar Set To Represent India In FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup In HungaryÂ
Chetna Raja
Aanaya Bhavsar, a talented young basketball player from Pune, Maharashtra, has been selected to represent India in the FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup tournament in Debrecen, Hungary, from August 26-30. This impressive achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional skills on the court. She is a resident of Undri area in Pune city.
Aanaya’s journey to success began when she started playing basketball in the 7th standard. Her parents, both IT professionals Rajesh and Vrushali Bhavsar, recognized her passion and found her a skilled coach, Lalit Nahata, who guided her development. To focus on basketball, Aanaya made a significant decision – she switched from ICSE to the state board, allowing her to balance her studies and sport.
Her dedication and hard work have paid off, with Aanaya being selected for the prestigious Basketball Without Borders program and receiving a scholarship from the Sports Authority of India. She has represented Maharashtra in 13 Nationals, helping her team win 2 Gold, 1 Silver, and 3 Bronze medals. Her outstanding performance in the 74th Junior National Championship, where she scored the highest 186 points, has earned her recognition as Maharashtra’s star player and “scoring machine.”
Notably, Aanaya took a year-long break from her HSC exams to focus on her basketball career, participating in back-to-back tournaments and securing 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal. Her parents and coaches supported her decision, and the break proved beneficial for her growth as a player.
Aanaya’s selection to represent India in the FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup is a proud moment for her family, coaches, and the entire basketball community in Pune. Her achievement is an inspiration to young athletes, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, they can reach the international stage.