MIES (Switzerland) - Poonam Chaturvedi stands out - literally and figuratively - as a towering figure in Indian basketball. She's reported to be somewhere in the 6'11" or 7'0" range, but in whichever case, she holds the distinction of being the tallest female basketball player in the country. It's a fact that draws attention on and off the court.
Her story, however, stretches beyond her extraordinary height. It is a tale of perseverance, overcoming adversity, and embracing one’s uniqueness in the face of challenges.
An Unlikely Beginning
Born into a family of six-footers in Kanpur, Poonam's exceptional height was evident early on. Growing up, however, she wasn’t involved in sports and struggled with basic physical activities. It was only in high school, when she was already 6’3”, that a family friend suggested basketball. Kanpur, with its limited basketball facilities, wasn’t the best suited location to nurture her potential. Determined to grow, Poonam moved to Chhattisgarh to train under the guidance of renowned coach Rajesh Patel.
From Kanpur to the National Stage
In Chhattisgarh, Poonam honed her skills and became an integral part of her state team. Her presence under the basket - a natural advantage due to her height - made her a formidable center. In 2012, she represented India at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B, hosted in Johor Baru, Malaysia. During the tournament, Poonam showcased her immense potential with a standout performance against Hong Kong, China, where she recorded 32 points and 17 rebounds. Her contributions helped India secure promotion to Division A.
Her journey took a challenging turn not long after when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Battling through Ayurveda treatments and magnet therapy, Poonam remained resolute. She emerged stronger, channeling her struggles into her performance on the court.
Challenges on the Court
While her height provides a significant advantage, it also comes with unique challenges. Her agility and endurance have been areas of concern, partly due to her slender build and diet. Strength training tailored to her needs, such as squats and lunges, forms a core part of her regimen.
“She can’t lift heavy weights, so we focus on exercises that complement her frame,” said India assistant coach Shiba Maggon back in 2017, as per ESPN. On the court, teams often devise strategies to neutralize her towering presence. Opponents crowd around her, knowing that once she raises the ball, it becomes nearly unstoppable. To counter this, India’s coaching staff employs a zone defense strategy and emphasizes her ability to draw fouls.
Poonam made her senior national team debut in 2017 at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division B in Bengaluru. She outshone players from both Division A and B in height. Despite limited playing time - 25 minutes across the competition - she averaged six points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Her standout performance came against Fiji, where she scored 10 points while battling against physically strong opponents. In the Division B final against Kazakhstan, Poonam’s contributions were hindered by a mild headache - a lingering symptom of her brain tumor -but her support for the team never wavered.
Fan Favorite and Teammate’s Delight
Poonam’s presence is magnetic. During games, the crowd erupts in cheers at the mere sight of her entering the court. Her teammates have found ways to uplift her spirits, often standing on chairs to talk to her and making light-hearted jokes about her height.
“She likes it when we make her laugh,” Maggon shared as per ESPN, revealing how they’ve turned her insecurities into moments of camaraderie.
Beyond the Game
For Poonam, basketball is more than just a sport; it is a medium for self-expression and empowerment. Yet, she admits that the joy of scoring a basket pales in comparison to the disappointment of missing one. “The pain of missing a basket is more than the joy of scoring,” she said as per ESPN, reflecting her high expectations of herself.
Her journey is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, especially those who face physical or societal challenges. From being a latecomer to the sport to representing India on the international stage, Poonam’s story exemplifies the power of determination and resilience.
Looking Ahead
Poonam Chaturvedi is approaching 30 years of age this year but her basketball journey is still unfolding. Her ambitions are as lofty as her height. More importantly, she continues to inspire a generation of young players who see in her a testament to how far passion and perseverance can take you.
FIBA