No more basketball at YMCA Secunderabad from today

Hyderabad: In an unprecedented move that is baffling the fraternity, the YMCA Secunderabad will bid goodbye to basketball from Sunday. Ironically, it is a game that is synonymous with the YMCA.

The court, which was unveiled in 1973 and remains active all through, has produced international players. Every morning and evening several students train here.

Every player, coach, administrator and patron was shocked to read the message displayed on the notice board of YMCA Secunderabad announcing the closure of basketball activity till further notice.

It is the very place where many national camps were conducted earlier and national team selections were held. The city has lost several iconic training grounds over the years including the football ground at Trimulgherry.

Many hoopsters have an emotional attachment to the court as it was there that they learnt the basics before going on to corner international glory while some led India to admirable heights. This notice has demoralised basketball players from across the state.

Chris Viresh, captain of the state team, said, "It seems like the days of Hyderabad basketball are numbered. This will have a heart-wrenching effect on most players as YMCA was, is and always shall be the hub of basketball talent in Telangana.”

Venkata Ramana, former national player, said, “This court has given life and employment in several departments to countless players. A product from here made it to the Olympics. The board’s move is disheartening. We are told that a hall will be coming up in the area.”

Meanwhile, a senior administrator from YMCA, said, “We have served the notice of stopping basketball practice sessions because some construction activities are underway in the premises.”