Khushi Ram Biography
Recognized as "The Scoring Machine of Asia", Khushi Ram is one of the most outstanding basketballers India has ever witnessed. At 6 feet and four inches, the tallest player in India was able to take the game to new levels to be a part of players of the Indian Basketball Team.
Khushi Ram's Early Days
Born on the 7th of August, 1937 in Kharak Bura of Jind, Haryana, Khushi Ram developed an interest in basketball when joining the Army's division Rajputana Rifles. With a good body and tallness at 14 years old, coaches believed this boy was a good IQ. Fast learning ability and an impressive IQ made Khushi Ram master basketball's technical aspects within a short time. In just two years of instruction and playing, he made his National debut on The Armed Forces Basketball team. The team won the Basketball National Tournaments for a decade. Khushi Ram racked up many "Best Player" titles becoming the most popular player in India.
Path to Glory
Famous for his shooting skills, Khushi Ram made his debut with his country's Indian National Basketball team. His international debut came in 1964 at the fourth Quadrangular event in Colombo.
Within an entire year, he was Captain of his Indian Team at the Asian Basketball Championship in Kuala Lumpur. India was ranked 7th. Khushi was the top-scoring player during the competition.
The Basketball Magician displayed his true abilities at the invitational tournament held in the Philippines. He stunned everyone by scoring the highest score of 196 points in seven games. He scored 43 points in the games against the leading nations of Asian Basketball. The home team from the Philippines.
The organizers presented him with 3 awards.
- One of the most important players from Asia2. The most consistently shot shooter in Asia
- The best center player at the competition for his impressive performance.
"Khushi Ram has redefined how basketball is played. We have never seen a player with the physical and mental toughness that he displays in Asia. I'd say we need Khushi Ram and we'll dominate the world. He will rule the world of basketball." - - the former famous legend of Philippines Basketball Lauro Mumar.
Khushi Ram has always been a generous player to the Game
After being ranked the top player in Asia and being dubbed "The Scoring Machine of Asia" He decided to retire. He gave his love of basketball to children through coaching.
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The Arjuna prize winner also coached for the Rajasthan Basketball team and gave the Indian basketball team Olympians such as Ajmer Singh as well as Hanuman Singh. Under his guidance, his Shri Ram Rayons Basketball team was among the top teams in the nation.
In the course of an Interview in 2011, a reporter from the Hindustan Times asked him that "Sir what keeps you glued to Basketball even in your 70's?". He smiled and replied, "Basketball is my bread and butter. Whatever I'm doing today, it's because of this sport. I am passionate about teaching youngsters and will keep doing it until my last breath".
Khushi Ram passed away in 2013, leaving an open path for children to pursue their dreams. His legacy lives on with his grandson Ram Kumar who was a former captain of the Indian Team.
In his honor, Haryana Govt. constructed a stadium in the village he grew up in. More than just a superb athlete and head coach. He was also a truly generous philanthropist.
Although he was able to receive many praises for his contribution towards his role in the Indian Basketball circuit, the game wasn't developed the way that he would have preferred.
In order to develop basketball at the national level, our efforts should be focused on creating an enduring basketball community. Additionally, we must provide the necessary assistance to our young athletes on the field.