Indian basketball player Ulhas K. S. has been honoured by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for his outstanding contributions to Indian basketball and achievements on the international stage.
The recognition highlights Ulhas’s role as one of the pioneering Indian basketball players to establish a successful professional career in Europe, helping raise the global profile of Indian basketball.
Originally from Tamil Nadu, Ulhas first gained prominence during his time at the University of Westminster in London, where he captained the university basketball team and guided it to victory in the London inter-university basketball league.
His performances opened the door to a professional career in Europe, making him one of the first Indian players to compete in professional European basketball leagues.
Among the notable milestones of his career was his stint with Serbian first-division club Novi Pazar Salamander, where he competed against some of the region’s leading teams. He later represented Gloria Basketball Club in Moldova’s National Basketball League, further strengthening his reputation as one of India’s leading basketball exports.
Speaking on the honour, Ulhas said the recognition reflects the progress made by Indian basketball and serves as motivation for young athletes to pursue opportunities at the international level.
He expressed hope that more Indian players would explore professional pathways abroad and demonstrate the country’s growing talent pool in the sport.
The recognition also underscores the increasing presence of Indian athletes in global sporting arenas and highlights the role of trailblazing players like Ulhas in creating opportunities for future generations.
Industry leaders associated with Indian basketball development also praised Ulhas’s achievements, noting that his success has inspired aspiring players and contributed to the sport’s growth beyond traditional domestic platforms.
