Indian-born Canadian first NBA fan to be inducted in Hall of Fame

Nav Bhatia, a Toronto Raptors ‘Superfan’ for decades, inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for promotion of game and philanthropy.

Mumbai, India – When the Toronto Raptors played their first game in the National Basketball Association (NBA) league in 1995, a courtside fan stood out from the rest. But it was not just his booming voice that had others in the arena sit up and take notice. As a practising Sikh, he also drew attention with his white turban and thick beard as required by his religion. A lot has changed for the Raptors since. But they have always found Navdeep “Nav” Bhatia in their corner, rooting for his team through all its ups and downs.