April 16, 2025

Jagdeep Singh Bains is one of those names in Indian basketball that deserves way more recognition than it gets. He wasn’t just a player; he was a fighter, a leader, and a true inspiration. Born in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, his journey into basketball wasn’t planned. His father was an athletics coach, so naturally, his early years were filled with running tracks and fitness drills rather than dribbling a basketball. But fate had its own way of steering him in the right direction. His height stood out, and in 2002, a local coach spotted his potential, leading him to play for Rajasthan in the school nationals the following year. That was just the beginning of what would become an incredible career. Jagdeep’s real breakthrough came when he joined the Ludhiana Basketball Academy under coach Sankaran Subramanian. This was where he transformed from a raw talent into a polished player. The Ludhiana Academy has produced some of India’s best basketball players, and Jagdeep quickly became one of them. His dominance on the court, strong defensive skills, and ability to finish at the rim made him a standout player. By 2008, he was playing professionally for Punjab Police Jalandhar, where he continued to make waves in the Indian basketball scene. His impact wasn’t just limited to domestic basketball. He earned a spot on the Indian national team and represented the country at the FIBA Asia Championships in 2007 and 2009. He wasn’t just playing; he was making an impact. In 2007, he averaged 11.4 points per game, and in 2009, he led the team in rebounds, proving his versatility. He also played a crucial role in India’s victory in the 3x3 basketball event at the 1st South Asian Beach Games, securing a gold medal. His performances on the international stage made him one of the most reliable players for India during that time. However, his journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 2012, during a 3-on-3 tournament in China, he suffered a severe back injury that turned his world upside down. The injury was so bad that he was bedridden for three years. Imagine going from playing for your country to not even being able to move properly. It was a dark time for him, and he even considered quitting the sport. But with the support of his wife and his relentless willpower, he refused to give up. After years of rehabilitation and training, he made a dramatic comeback in 2016, joining the Mumbai Challengers in the UBA Pro Basketball League. His return wasn’t just symbolic—he helped the team win the championship in Season 4, proving that he still had a lot left in him.