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Mahindra Group is a large industrial conglomerate in India, with operations in the automotive, farm equipment, financial services, trade and logistics, automotive components, after-market, IT and infrastructure sectors.

NBA – founded in 1946, is a professional sports league and global business that features 30 teams in the United States and Canada.

The Mahindra NBA Challenge League begins on April 17 2010 when participating teams tip off at the St. Dominic Savio and Mustan YMCA courts in Mumbai. It will nurture players in the 14-18 age group and will start off in Bangalore, Ludhiana and Mumbai and will run for 7 weeks every year.

Moreover, the league will provide basketball enthusiasts and newcomers to the game the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game and apply their skills in a fun, competitive environment. Individuals and teams interested in registering can visit www.nba.com/India/Mahindra .

Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director (MD), Mahindra Group on this association said, “We are delighted to be partnering with the NBA to create a multi-city recreational league in India. In a cricket loving nation such as India, we feel it is important to encourage other sports as well and we believe basketball is perfectly suited to bring communities together and promote healthy, active lifestyles to Indian youth.”

Then, David Stern, Commissoner, NBA said, “Mahindra is the perfect partner for the creation of a new recreational basketball league for Indian fans. The BFI, Mahindra and the NBA share a long-term commitment to growing the game in India and to using the values of our game to make a positive, lasting impact in Indian communities.”

Further, on the same line, Harish Sharma, Secretary General, BFI said, “Basketball continues to grow in popularity across India and now youngsters in Bangalore, Ludhiana and Mumbai will have the opportunity to play in an organized league and further develop their skills. The launch by Basketball Federation of India and the NBA of the Mahindra NBA Challenge is very exciting and will help accelerate the basketball development of Indian youngsters.”

Over the years, M&M has encouraged various kinds of sports including owning the Mahindra United football club in Mumbai.