Making history and blazing a trail for Indian basketball, Ulhas KS became the first Indian player to compete in the prestigious Division 1 of the Serbian national basketball league, Kosarkaska Liga Srbije (KLS). Representing Novi Pazar, Ulhas made his debut in a game against BKK Radnicki, marking a significant milestone for Indian sports on the international stage.
The Serbian National Basketball League is renowned as one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, with 16 elite clubs and numerous players who were part of Serbia’s bronze medal-winning team at the Paris Olympics. In this formidable context, Ulhas’ participation represents a leap forward for Indian basketball players who aspire to excel on the world stage.
Ulhas’ journey to this historic debut has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just a few months ago, he suffered a fractured jaw, a potentially career-threatening injury. However, with unwavering determination, he made an extraordinary comeback, taking the field to the roaring applause of his teammates and fans. Wearing a protective mask, Ulhas played for five minutes in his debut match, recording an assist and a save.
Speaking about his achievement, Ulhas said: ‘It is an incredible honour to represent India in the Serbian National Basketball League. The journey has been challenging, especially recovering from my injury, but the support of my family, coaches and teammates has kept me going. Competing in such a high-level league is a dream come true and I hope this inspires more Indian players to aim for international opportunities,’ according to a press release from Ulhas.
Ulhas has previously represented India in several key international matches, including the World Cup qualifier against Lebanon in October 2022 and matches against Jordan and Saudi Arabia in February 2023. His move to the European competitive basketball circuit symbolises the growing recognition of Indian talent on the world stage.
The Kosarkaska Liga Srbije promises exciting action this season, with experienced players and young talent competing for supremacy. Ulhas’ entry into this elite league is a testament to his resilience and skill, paving the way for future generations of Indian basketball players.
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