The game of basketball originated at the Springfield College of Physical Education, Massachusetts, USA in 1891, invented by Dr. James Naismith. In 1894, Naismith fixed the first 13 rules which still form the basis of modern basketball. In India, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) at Kolkata introduced basketball for the first time. Later the YMCA established at Madras in 1920 played an important role in the development of this game. Today basketball is one of the most favourite games in many schools and colleges. The game is played by both men and women of all ages and ability. In order to promote Basketball at National and International levels the Basketball Federation of India was set up in 1950. The first National Basketball tournament was held in Delhi in 1934 and thereafter it was organised every two years until 1951. After that it started being organised annually.
