Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju hailed NBA India Games as a 'historic day for sports' as he presented match ball in second contest between Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings in Mumbai on Saturday. Along with NBA commissioner am Silver, Kiren Rijiju presented ball at beginning of game, kick-starting final game of pre-season. Talking to media, Kiren Rijiju said that it was great for NBA to come to India as it has wide popularity and sport is extremely famous in India. Kiren Rijiju vowed to develop better infrastructure for basketball in country and said that government will try hard to make game better in India. 

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Kiren Rijiju hails NBA India Games as 'historic' 

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PM Modi about NBA India Games

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that first-ever NBA match in India was a historic moment for India-US relations. PM also said that basketball as a sport is very popular in India and appreciated game between Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings. PM Modi also said that he hopes more youngsters contribute to Fit India Movement through sport. At a press conference before inaugural NBA game, Vivek Ranivé said that he is looking forward to expansion of NBA in India. He also said that he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding growth of Basketball in India. 

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Legacy Project 

NBA along with  Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings are partnering with American India Foundation to support 5 under-resourced municipal schools in Mumbai.  NBA Commissioner am Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranivé, Indiana Pacers Goverr Herb Simon and NBA Legend Vle Divac attended ground-breaking ceremony of Legacy project at  BMC Marathi School located at Lower Parel on Saturday. This will help schools get techlogical equipment, trained teachers, a basketball court and enhanced infrastructure. Furrmore, Ranivé surprised students by beginning his dress in Marathi. He revealed his Maharashtrian roots and praised intellect of students. 

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