After NBA debut Bhullar to tour India to promote basketball

Sim Bhullar, who earlier this month became the first player of Indian descent to play in the high-profile National Basketball Association (NBA) league, will visit India from May 2-7 to promote the growth of basketball in the country.

- Sim Bhullar, a man of superlatives

The 7'5 feet tall center player will help train top 140 youth from across India, who participated in the Reliance Foundation Juniuor NBA program, the NBA's premier grassroots event.

"I am very excited to travel to India to see firsthand how basketball's popularity has grown and to meet young basketball players across the country," said Bhullar.

"Hopefully sharing my story will help inspire young Indians to pursue their dreams on and off the court, just as I have."

The 22-year-old Bhullar will first travel to Mumbai on May 2 to interact with fans followed by a tour around the city and will then appear on Sony SIX's 'IPL Extra Innings' show on Sunday, May 3.

Bhullar will then travel to Noida to inaugurate the Reliance Foundation Junior NBA Elite National Camp on May 4.

On May 5, Bhullar will travel to Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple and Pingalwara, a home for individuals suffering from incurable and terminal diseases, to which the player's family will make a contribution.

He will visit Chandigarh on May 6 to conduct a Reliance Foundation Junior NBA clinic for 150 children at New Public School.

Bhullar will return to Noida on May 7 to celebrate the final day of the Reliance Foundation Junior NBA Elite National Camp.

Bhullar is the first player of Indian descent to play in the high-profile NBA after making his debut for Sacramento Kings. The 22-year-old came on with 16 seconds remaining in the Kings' 116-111 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Sleep Train Arena.

Image: Sim Bhullar of the Sacramento Kings warms up before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Photograph: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images