Date:07/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/07/stories/2008100760881800.htm

Sport - Basketball

Hindustan University signs Nigerian players

CHENNAI: Hindustan University announced at a press conference here on Monday that it signed two International basketball players from Nigeria — Mohammed Bukar and Ugbaje Ajodoh — on full scholarships.

“This (scholorship) is a first of its kind and is modelled after the US collegiate system and is unique in India,” said Ashok Verghese, Director, Hindustan University.

Keen to bring laurels

“It will definitely help our players reach greater heights,” he added.

Bukar and Ajodoh, both 18 years of age, who have enrolled for automobile engineering course, said they were keen to bring laurels to the college.

“We guarantee you that we’ll win all the basketball tournaments we take part in,” they said.

Bukar and Ajodoh, who play for Nigeria in the junior World championship, said their goal was to play in NBA.

SDAT’s support

M.R. Mohan, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, praised the efforts of Hindustan Group for its promotion of sports and games and assured SDAT’s total support.

Earlier, Hindustan University played a match with SDAT where the Nigerians impressed with their speed and shooting. — Principal Correspondent