BENGALURU: Hoopsters in NBA average 6’7” height. In women’s basketball, that comes down to 6’. If height is the only considerable factor in basketball, Indian centre Poonam Chaturvedi outshines everyone including Division A and B players in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. At a towering 6’11”, Poonam is certainly the tallest female player in the country.
But apart from that distinctive feature, Poonam says, she contributes very little for the team. That’s generosity though, if her total 25 minutes of game-time is to be considered. She averaged six points and 1.3 rebounds in that small time. She gave her best against Fiji, when she battled against five of the strongest-built women to dunk 10 times.
Against Kazakhstan in the Division B final, she however, missed out. She had a mild headache, which she frequently suffers as a result of a brain tumour. However, that doesn’t deter her from making it to the practice or even taking to the courts. It’s part of her life now, she says.
“I take medicines regularly and do everything the doctor says. Often I even play with the headaches but once I’m on court, I forget about the pain. I can’t help it. All I want to do is help my teammates with whatever little performance I can put up,” Poonam said.
It’s ironic though. The 22-year-old from Chattisgarh didn’t even consider taking up a sport, not even the sport she excelled in.
It was her family who inspired her to play basketball for her height. She first started playing for her school and slowly gained confidence as she could effortlessly dunk, as none of her opponents could get close to her reach.
But a brain tumour or mild to severe headaches are not the only thing that ails her. She can’t even speak like her friends. She was born with a deformed upper lip. But she managed to overcome the problem with support from her teammates and coaches. “I’m really fortunate to have such teammates. They help and support me a lot. They never let me feel my problems. I am thankful to them,” she said.
In her first outing with the national team, she said, she got much-needed exposure. “I’m really happy that in my first tournament with the National team, we could achieve our target of reaching Division A. It was tough making the cut. Then under a new coach, we participated in the William Jones Cup. It was a great learning curve. I’m just happy that I could help my teammates. I have to capitalise on this, ” Poonam said.
India secure promotion
India, led by Shireen Limaye (23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists) and Jeena Palanilkumkalayil Skaria (24 points, six rebounds and four assists), defeated Kazakhstan 75-73 in a nail-biting contest.
Results (finals): Division A: Japan bt Australia 74-73. Division B: India bt Kazakhstan 75-73.
krishnendu@newindianexpress.com