Jeshua hopes to take University route to India basketball team
Panaji: While pursuing basketball, Jeshua Antonio Pinto has had to do a lot, starting with changing schools, colleges and universities.
The 23-year-olds grit and determination is now paying off as he sets out to make a mark at the world stage.
Jeshua will become one of the first Goans to be included in the Indian Universities men's basketball team that will participate at the FISU World University Games scheduled to be held in Germany from July 16-27.
And the excitement is understandable.
'I am really happy. Without the presence of God in my life, all this would not have happened. Even if you are talented, you need prayers,' Jeshua told TOI.
After completing his schooling at Lourdes Convent in Saligao, the Calangute resident opted to continue his studies at Don Bosco HSS in Panaji, simply because of the basketball facilities.
After winning most of the state titles with Don Bosco and three consecutive state titles with Lourdes Basketball Club, Jeshua was recommended to former India player and coach CV Sunny by former Goa Basketball Association president, Fr Ralin de Souza.
Sunny saw Jeshua's potential at a two-week training camp in Chennai and recommended him to pursue graduation (BA Sociology) at Loyola College in Chennai which has top-notch facilities.
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Jeshua then joined Jain University in Bengaluru but could not finish his Masters in Economics after being hospitalised due to dehydration caused by excessive travelling for games. With two papers left to be cleared, and lack of playing time, Jeshua was looking for a fresh start. He joined University of Kota during this academic year, where he is pursuing Masters in Economics all over again.
Jeshua captained Kota to a silver medal at the All-India University 3x3 Basketball Championship 2024 and was named Most Promising Player.
He then took part in the Indian National Basketball League (U-25) and represented Delhi Dribblers early this year.
Each University was asked to recommend players for the three-day national trials in Kochi. Kota sent four including Jeshua. There were over 30 players trying to make it to the final list of 12, and Jeshua was delighted to find his name in the final list.
'For the trials, I played pretty well, so I was confident.
Once they announced the list of 12, I understood the weightage of it. I worked very hard, it's finally paying off,' said Jeshua.
Gold medallist at the Khelo India University Games 2023, Jeshua will join the India University side for a camp next month before travelling to Germany.
'This is a small step towards my main goal which is to play for the senior national team. Coming from Goa where there is no basketball background, I had to put in an extra effort,' Jeshua said.
As a child, Jeshua took to football where coaches advised him to pick up a second sport as an option. Not surprisingly, it had to be basketball since his mother, Maria Helena, has been a coach at Lourdes for over two decades.
Fifth of six kids, Jeshua started playing basketball at the age of 10 and made such good progress that he was included in the state's U-14 national side the following year.
'I am extremely happy because hard work has paid off,' said his mother, Maria Helena. 'There were times when injury held us back, but Jeshua came back stronger. He is the first Goan boy to achieve this feat and hopefully motivates youngsters. Goa surely has the talent.'
While the dream of playing for India is very much alive, Jeshua wants to help Goan players.
'The world's best will be there for these Games. It will be a good place to showcase my talent,' said the six-foot tall Jeshua.
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