Surreal feeling to wear India colours: Jeshua
Panaji:
Jeshua Antonio Pinto cannot contain his excitement as Goa's top player is set to don the India colours at the FISU World University Games 2025 which begins at the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region of Germany from Saturday.
The 23-year-old will be the first from the state to be part of the Indian Universities men's basketball team and will compete against the best student-athletes in the world.
'It was a surreal feeling when I received the India kit,' Jeshua told
TOI
on a phone call from Germany. 'I understood the responsibility.'
With over 10,000 participants from 150+ nations across 18 sports, this edition of the Games is being hailed as one of the largest multi-sport university events ever.
Jeshua is currently pursuing his master's at the University of Kota, Rajasthan. His foundation was laid at the Lourdes Convent, Saligao, where mother and coach Helen Pinto polished the rough diamond at Lourdes Basketball Club.
The men's basketball team underwent a high-intensity national camp at the Starting Five RSC Basketball Academy, Kochi. Gujarat's Krishnapalsinh Gohil will lead the team which is coached by Dhyan Chand awardee Ram Kumar.
'It was a hectic 15-day camp. There are players from different universities, but we managed to get along fast and built a strong bond. The facilities provided were great,' said Jeshua.
India will face a tough challenge in group B, up against traditional powerhouses US, Romania, and Latvia.
They will take on the US in the opening game on Saturday, followed by Romania the next day. India face Latvia in their last group match on Monday.
'We know we might be smaller in size than the other teams, but we will beat them in hustle and spirit. Pooled with the US, it will be an extremely tough match. Nevertheless, we will put up a tough fight. Romania and Latvia are comparatively easier but still tough opponents. We play to win each match and will go all out,' said Jeshua.
A gold medallist at the Khelo India University Games 2023, a silver at the All-India University 3x3 Basketball Championship 2024, and selection to the Delhi Dribblers for the inaugural INBL U-25 League 2025, Jeshua has kept growing.
He is now an inspiration for talented youngsters in the state, proving you can make far in the sport, if you stay focused.
The Calangute resident remains grounded and knows he must catch the eye on the world stage.
'I'll get game time for sure, but it's all about the team and the situation. Whether I'm in or out, we must give our complete support to the team. Anything to get the win,' said Jeshua.
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