UYBA Launches Elite Basketball Camp to Elevate Indian Talent

The Ulhas Yuvipep Basketball Academy (UYBA) has launched a four-day ProLevel Elite Camp in Noida, led by England's national team coach Clive Castillo. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between Indian grassroots basketball and international standards, providing young players with exposure to high-performance training. UYBA founder Ulhas KS emphasizes the need for structured pathways for athletes, aspiring to prepare them for future Olympic participation. Castillo highlights India's untapped potential in basketball, advocating for game-realistic training methods and discipline beyond the court. This camp marks a significant step towards creating a professional basketball ecosystem in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 20, 2026, 16:45 IST

UYBA Introduces International Exposure Camp

The Ulhas Yuvipep Basketball Academy (UYBA) has taken a significant stride in integrating Indian basketball with global standards by launching a four-day ProLevel Elite Camp at the Noida Indoor Stadium. This initiative marks the introduction of European-style training methodologies in India for the first time. Leading the camp is Clive Castillo, the coach of the England national basketball team, who brings extensive experience from coaching in the EuroLeague and EuroCup. The primary goal of this camp is to connect Indian grassroots basketball with international training environments.

A Vision for Future Olympians

Ulhas KS, the founder of UYBA and Vice-President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India (WBFI), described the camp as a pivotal moment for Indian basketball. He stated, "This International Exposure Camp with coach Clive Castillo is unprecedented in Indian basketball history. Our talented players are now gaining insights into international basketball standards." He emphasized the necessity of creating structured pathways for young athletes, aiming to transform them into student-athletes or professional players by the age of 18 or 19.

Coach Clive Castillo on India's Basketball Potential

Castillo, who has previously coached Ulhas in England, shared his views on India's basketball potential, calling it a "sleeping giant in Asia" with abundant talent across various age groups. He pointed out that the main challenge lies in the lack of exposure and coverage for these players.

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Creating a Professional Basketball Ecosystem

The UYBA, in collaboration with Sports Soul, will continue the training camp in Noida until Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Kuber Bisht, Director of Sports Soul, elaborated on the broader vision for developing a professional basketball ecosystem in India. He stated, "Our partnership aims to establish a comprehensive basketball environment across India, starting with Noida. UYBA brings international experience, and with Coach Clive's involvement, we aspire to provide our youth with access to physiotherapists, expert coaches, and a FIBA-approved stadium, among other facilities. Our goal is to create a roadmap for growth for young athletes."

A New Era for Indian Basketball

With the infusion of international expertise, structured pathways, and increasing institutional support, initiatives like the UYBA Elite Camp could herald a transformative era for basketball in India.