'A dream for me': Manmeet Kaur cherishes return to India in U18 Asia

BENGALURU (India) - It couldn't get any more thrilling for Manmeet Kaur.

"I felt really proud when I made it to the U18 team after the U16." - Manmeet Kaur

The 1.85 M (5'11") forward saw one of her dreams come into reality as she got called up to represent India in the FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship 2022, just three months after taking part in the U16 competitions in Jordan.

"I feel really great to be a part of the U18 Indian women’s team, which was a dream for me," expressed the 16-year-old, who led the way for her crew in the Amman tournament with norms of 12.8 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Kaur led the way at the U16s in Amman with 12.8 PPG and 8.8 RPG

"I felt really proud when I made it to the U18 team after the U16."

One can't blame Manmeet for being filled with so much elation over yet another national team stint. Surely, she never imagined that taking a suggestion from a relative to play hoops a few years ago would lead her to where she is right now.

"When I was in eighth grade, my mamu suggested that I play basketball as I have a good height," she recalled. "I went to the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana. There, I met my coach Saloni, and from there my journey started."

It's widely known that the game could take one to places. Manmeet knows that, since one of her idols in Anmolpreet Kaur Pannu is a living proof given how her career has panned out thus far from her humble beginnings back home.

A former national team stalwart, the 22-year-old became the first Indian player to receive a high school and then a college scholarship in Japan. Currently, she's playing for the Osaka University of Health and Sport Science.

"Anmol Pannu, who's now playing in Japan, is my role model," said Manmeet proudly. "I like her playing whenever she’s on the court."

Pannu is one of the homegrown talents to make headlines in the past few years for bringing their game overseas. There's also Harsimran Kaur, who's presently playing for the University of San Diego in the US NCAA.

The 19-year-old became the first prospect from the NBA Academy Women's Program from outside Australia to train at the NBA Global Academy. She was also invited to the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp in 2020.

"She’s an inspiration for all the girls who play basketball in India," said Manmeet.

Who knows, Manmeet could be next in line. For now, though, her focus is on leading India in the upcoming U18 festivities, looking to maximize their home-court advantage and give their compatriots something to be proud of.

FIBA