India, Sep 09: VIBGYOR Group of Schools, in association with Olympia Sportz & Events and Nàstic Sports Academy, Barcelona, Spain, has brought an international basketball development programme to India under Hoops India, VIBGYOR’s basketball brand ambassador programme, which is now in its second year. The initiative gives young players an opportunity to train under Spanish basketball methodology and explore a pathway for further development in Spain.
The NSA International Basketball Camp India 2026 was conducted for advanced-level players aged 12 to 18 years in Mumbai and Pune. Going beyond a conventional basketball camp, the programme combined structured training and competitive situations with player evaluation. Participants were assessed by Mr. Fernando Gordo, Director of the Basketball Program, and Mr. Eloi Badia, Strength and Conditioning Head, on technical ability, decision-making, physical potential, attitude and work ethic.
A key highlight of the initiative is the opportunity for talented players to continue their basketball development in Spain. Based on their performance during the Mumbai and Pune programmes, two players—one from each city—will receive a guaranteed 50% scholarship for NSA’s Annual Residential Programme in Spain. This programme offers an integrated pathway combining high-performance basketball training, education, and residential support.
Additionally, one outstanding player will receive a full scholarship to participate in the next 10-day NSA Basketball Programme in Spain. The scholarship will cover programme-related expenses; airfare is not included.
Fernando Gordo, Director of the Basketball Program, Nàstic Sports Academy, said,
“We are not coming to India simply to run a basketball camp. Our objective is to identify ambitious young players, introduce them to the standards and methodology of European basketball, and create a genuine pathway for those who have the talent, commitment, and ambition to continue their development in Spain. By bringing together the knowledge of our partners in India and our experience in developing international student-athletes in Spain, we hope to create opportunities that can extend well beyond these few days of training.”
Shaji Kuttiani, Director, Olympia Sportz and Events, VIBGYOR Group of Schools, said,
“For young basketball players, exposure to the right training environment at an early stage can make a meaningful difference to how they understand and approach the sport. Through this initiative, we are giving players an opportunity to experience Spanish basketball methodology, receive structured evaluation and understand the level of commitment required to progress further. The opportunity to continue their development in Spain adds another dimension to the programme and can help motivated players see a clearer pathway ahead.”
The programme continues to give players and families an opportunity to understand the broader NSA pathway, which brings together basketball development, education, residence and personal development. The initiative is designed to help young players understand the commitment and standards involved in pursuing basketball at a higher level.
The Mumbai edition of the camp was held on 29 and 30 August 2026 at VIBGYOR High, Goregoan West, followed by the Pune edition on 1 and 2 September 2026 at VIBGYOR High, Hinjewadi. The programme brought together eligible VIBGYOR and external players for an international basketball development experience.
Through the initiative, VIBGYOR, Olympia and NSA aim to create greater access to international basketball opportunities for young Indian players, connecting local talent with structured development and competitive opportunities in Spain.