"Basketball: From Springfield to Cubbonpet (Bengaluru)"

Dedication

This book, Basketball: From Springfield to Cubbonpet, (Bengaluru), is lovingly dedicated to my late father, Prof. N. C. Parappa, in his centenary year, 1927–2027.

A distinguished physical educationist, sports administrator, mentor, and community leader, Prof.N C Parappa devoted his life to the promotion of sports and games, particularly basketball, among generations of students and youth. Through his tireless efforts, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to physical education, he inspired countless individuals to embrace discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and excellence.

This work is a humble tribute to his enduring legacy and his invaluable contribution to the growth of basketball in Bengaluru, especially in Cubbonpet and among the Devanga community. His passion for sports continues to inspire players, coaches, educators, and community members alike.

May this book serve as a celebration of his life, his achievements, and the values he cherished. On the occasion of his centenary celebrations, I offer this book with profound gratitude, respect, and affection to a man whose influence transcended the boundaries of the playing court and touched countless lives.

Prof. N. C. Parappa's legacy will forever remain a guiding light in the world of sports and physical education.

Basketball: From Springfield to Cubbonpet, (Bengaluru).

Chapter One 

Introduction of Basketball and Its Arrival in India

Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. Tasked with creating an indoor game to keep students physically active during the harsh winter months, Naismith devised a sport using a soccer ball and two baskets as goals. The first official game was played on December 21, 1891. From these humble beginnings, basketball evolved into one of the world's most popular and widely played sports.

The game was introduced to India around the 1920s through the efforts of the YMCA. The early development of basketball in the country is closely associated with Harry Crowe Buck, the founder of the YMCA College of Physical Education in Chennai. Through YMCA centers and sports clubs, basketball gradually spread across India, promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The inclusion of basketball as an official Olympic sport at the 1936 Berlin Games further enhanced international interest and accelerated its growing popularity across many nations, including India.

Chapter Two 

The Evolution of Basketball in Bangalore City 

Since ancient times, India has had a rich tradition of physical activity and indigenous games. However, much of this sporting heritage was not systematically documented, except for a few disciplines such as wrestling, which have a well-recorded history.

With the advent of European colonial influence, several modern sports were introduced to Bengaluru. Over time, games such as cricket, football, hockey, basketball, and badminton became an integral part of the city's sporting culture.

In Bengaluru, from the early years of the 20th century, these sports gradually gained popularity among different localities of the city. Among them Cubbonpet played a particularly significant role in the growth of basketball. Situated close to the YMCA on Nrupathunga Road, Cubbonpet benefited from its proximity to the institution that played a pivotal role in introducing, promoting, and nurturing the game of basketball.

Basketball became especially popular in Cubbonpet because of its fast-paced nature and comparatively short duration when compared with sports such as cricket or football. This suited the lifestyle of the local residents, many of whom belonged to the Devanga community and were engaged in the weaving profession. After spending long hours at their handlooms, they could participate in basketball during the evenings, making the game both accessible and appealing. This unique combination of location, occupation, and community spirit helped transform Cubbonpet into one of the earliest centres of basketball in Bengaluru.

The history of basketball in present-day Karnataka, then known as Mysore State, is a remarkable story of vision, dedication, community participation, and sporting excellence. The foundations of organised basketball were laid during the 1930s through the pioneering efforts of A. C. Das, Director of Physical Education and General Secretary of the YMCA, Bengaluru. Working from the YMCA premises on Nrupathunga Road, he played a decisive role in introducing and popularising basketball across the state. Through public demonstrations, coaching camps, instructional programmes, and regular competitions, he inspired countless young men and women to take up the sport.

A philanthropist from Cubbonpet, G. Banappa, a member of the Devanga community, donated approximately land for public use. The park, known as Banappa Park on K G Road, Bengaluru, was opened on 27 March1932. Among the earliest centres of organised basketball activity, Banappa Park soon emerged as a focal point where the game flourished under the guidance of the YMCA. The park became the cradle of the basketball movement in the area and witnessed the establishment of Krishna Union, one of Bengaluru's earliest basketball clubs. For several years, the club functioned from premises now occupied by K. M. Naganna School on K. G. Road, Bengaluru, serving as one of the city's foremost centres for basketball excellence. Although Krishna Union no longer exists, its pioneering contribution laid the foundation for the growth of basketball in Cubbonpet and inspired the emergence of later institutions, including the Devanga Union, which would play a defining role in shaping the sport in Benguluru.

During the 1930s, only a handful of clubs regularly practised basketball in Bengaluru. Despite limited facilities and modest resources, these pioneering institutions laid the foundation for the organised growth of the game. The earliest clubs to promote basketball included:

- Krishna Union

- Orions Sports Club

- Pioneers Sports Club

- Y.M.M.A. (Young Men's Mandyam Association)

- Y.M.C.A. (Young Men's Christian Association)

During the Second World War, the establishment of public sector enterprises such as Hindustan Aircraft Limited brought a significant number of American military personnel to Bengaluru. During their leisure time, these servicemen frequently played basketball and often invited local youth to join them. These friendly interactions introduced many young people to the game, fostered a lasting interest in basketball, and played an important role in popularising the sport across Bengaluru.

During the Second World War, the establishment of public sector enterprises such as Hindustan Aircraft Limited brought a significant number of American military personnel to Bengaluru. During their leisure time, these servicemen frequently played basketball and often invited local youth to join them. These friendly interactions introduced many young people to the game, fostered a lasting interest in basketball, and played an important role in popularising the sport across Bengaluru.

As the popularity of basketball increased, several additional clubs embraced the sport during the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s. 

These included:

- Devanga Union

- National Sports Club

- Fortiers

- Bharath Union

- Eagles Club

- Young Pioneers

- Collegians

The emergence of these clubs considerably expanded the reach of basketball across Bengaluru, and established a vibrant sporting culture that laid the foundation for the game's continued growth in the decades that followed.

The remarkable growth of basketball in Cubbonpet during the 1930s owed much to the tireless efforts of Y. H. Kempanna, B. Nanjundappa, and several other local enthusiasts. Their dedication and encouragement nurtured a generation of talented players, among whom were:

- T. M. Shettappa

- Dasanna

- Venkatesh

- Thimmanna

- Purohit Ranganna

- S. Thimmarayappa

- G. Thimmu

- Doddiah

- L. Papanni

- B. N. Laxminarayanappa

- Eswar

- Annayappa

- Ranganna

- Ramaiah

- Kenchanna

- Pandit Shankarappa

- Puttanna

The Men's National Basketball Championship commenced in 1934, while the Women's National Basketball Championship was inaugurated in 1952. In 1936, A. C. Das, together with G. Chandy of the Mysore Police, selected the first Mysore State basketball team to participate in the National Basketball Championship held in Lahore. Captained by M. G. Vijayasarathy, the team included two Devanga basketball players from Cubbonpet :T. M. Shettappa and S. Thimmanna.

The participation of the Mysore State team in the Lahore championship inspired tremendous enthusiasm among the youth of the state. Motivated by this achievement, local players and patrons organised a basketball team comprising members of the Devanga community. A rare photograph taken in 1938, featuring the team alongside A. C. Das, stands today as an invaluable historical record of the early development of basketball in Cubbonpet.

The growing popularity of basketball throughout Mysore State was further strengthened by the encouragement and leadership of A. C. Das, M. G. Vijayasarathy, B. V. Narayana Rao, and several other sports patrons. To provide organised administration for the increasing number of clubs and competitions, the Mysore State Basketball Association was established in 1942. Its formation marked a significant milestone in the history of basketball and laid the institutional foundation for the organised development of the sport in Mysore State.

 

Chapter Three 

Birth of a sports club, and its Golden Era (1946–1956)

This growing passion for the game culminated on August 15, 1946, when Devanga basketball players and sports patrons of Cubbonpet established the Devanga Union Sports Club (DUSC) at the Central High School Grounds, the site where Shikshaka Sadan, Banappa Park, Kempegowda Road, Bengaluru now stands. The club was founded as a dedicated institution to nurture and promote the sporting talents of the youth of Cubbonpet and surrounding localities.

Although the club was named after the Devanga community, it has always sought to welcome members from all backgrounds, irrespective of religion or community. This commitment to inclusivity has been reflected on numerous occasions throughout its history.

The National Basketball Championship was hosted in Bengaluru in 1946. Three Devanga basketball players, G. Thimmu, L. Papanni, and B. N. Lakshminarayan, played a pivotal role in helping Mysore State win its first Senior Men's National Basketball Championship. This historic victory marked the beginning of a golden era for Mysore State basketball, with the team remaining one of the dominant forces in Indian basketball until 1960s

Over time, basketball at the Devanga Union evolved from a recreational activity into a highly competitive sport that earned recognition throughout Bengaluru, and beyond. During this golden decade, the club dominated numerous championships across Mysore. One of its crowning achievements came during the inaugural Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1951. Three Kannadigas were selected to represent the Indian National Basketball Team, two of whom L. Papanni, and B. N. Lakshminarayan from Devanga Union. Their selection firmly established the club as one of India's premier basketball institutions.

In 1956 to support basketball players in Anekal, the executive committee of Devanga Union, with the support of local patrons and well-wishers, established a sports facility featuring a dedicated basketball court and other amenities. The facility remained active for many years, during which numerous local players proudly represented the Devanga Union in various tournaments. Today, owing to changing interests and trends among younger generations, the facility is not as active as it once was.

As basketball continued to flourish, respected community leaders facilitated the integration of the players of Krishna Union with Devanga Union. Their efforts enabled a substantial number of players and administrators to officially join Devanga Union, strengthening the club's competitive standing. Krishna Union subsequently shifted its activities to the playground presently occupied by Sri Vinayaka School at Banappa Park, Cubbonpet. Within a few years, however, the club gradually declined and eventually ceased to exist. In later years, the same historic grounds became the home of Young Orions Basketball Club, which has since developed into one of Karnataka's leading basketball team, proudly carrying forward the rich legacy established by its predecessors.

In 1966, Y. H. Venkataramanappa, the Founder-President of the Devanga Union, constructed the Union's clubhouse in memory of his beloved brother, Y. H. Kempanna. The history of the Devanga Union Sports Club is celebrated by the achievements of its outstanding players and coaches, whose dedication brought honour to the club, Mysore State, and Indian basketball. Their discipline, skill, and sportsmanship inspired generations of young athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the court.

The close bond between the Devanga Union and Bengaluru's YMCA created a unique sporting partnership. On numerous occasions, players from both the clubs represented each other in tournaments, a rare phenomenon that stands as a distinctive chapter in Bengaluru's basketball history.

Chapter Four 

A Period of Transition and Revival

Although basketball remained a core activity within the club, attention gradually shifted in subsequent years toward Kabaddi and wrestling, disciplines in which the Devanga Union also achieved considerable success.

Archival newspaper reports from 1954 highlight an important but lesser-known chapter in the sporting history of the Devanga Union. The records cover the participation of six Indian wrestlers in the Caldecott Challenge Cup in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), led by Professor N C Parappa as the coach, and V T Surappa as manager of the team included accomplished wrestlers from Devanga Union, whose selection to represent country reflected the immense strength of Mysore's wrestling culture during that period. This serves as a powerful reminder that the Devanga Union's sporting legacy extended far beyond basketball. Through the dedicated leadership of Professor N C Parappa, Devanga Union nurtured excellence across multiple disciplines, producing athletes capable of competing on multiple forums.

A vibrant new chapter for Basketball in Cubbonpet began with the return of Professor N. C. Parappa from the United States in 1957. During his studies abroad, Professor N C Parappa had developed a close association with Dr. Edward S Steitz, one of America's most respected basketball coaches and officials, who later played a significant role in improving international basketball standards.

For Professor N C Parappa, basketball was much more than a competitive sport; it was a powerful instrument for social development. During those years, Cubbonpet was a thriving center for weaving and small-scale industries. The basketball court became a safe, constructive environment where local youth could gather after school and work. Through daily coaching sessions, young men and women learned not only the skills of the game but also discipline, teamwork, leadership, respect, and social responsibility. Hundreds of players who trained under his guidance carried these values into their personal and professional lives.

At Professor N C Parappa's invitation, Dr. Steitz visited Bengaluru in 1965 and 1971 to conduct coaching camps for basketball players, introducing modern coaching methodologies and professional expertise. Drawing upon his American exposure, Professor N C Parappa implemented advanced training techniques and a structured coaching culture comparable to contemporary United States basketball programs.

Professor N C Parappa in his quest for excellence in coaching at the club regularly invited eminent basketball coaches, among the eminent coaches invited was Filipino coach L. G. Mumar, Chief Basketball Coach at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala. He conducted a coaching camp for the basketball team, which played a significant role in enhancing the players' skills and raising the overall standard of play.

Under Professor N C Parappa's guidance, the cubbonpet re-emerged as a leading force in the Mysore State. Between the1950s and 1970s, the club consistently produced players for the Mysore State Basketball Team. Almost every year, at least one or two players represented the state, and the club regularly reached the finals of the Mysore State Basketball Association First Division Championships.

The concept of an All-Star Team in basketball is to recognize and honor the best individual players over a particular period, such as a season or a tournament, regardless of which teams they represent.

Historically, during the National Basketball Championships, an Indian All-Star Team was often selected from among the tournament's outstanding performers. Similarly, Junior All-Star Teams were chosen from the best players at the Junior National Basketball Championships. Selection to an All-Star Team was regarded as a prestigious honour, recognizing individual excellence, although it was distinct from selection to represent the Indian National Team. Unlike the men's All-Star selections, however, women's All-Star Teams were not constituted consistently every year. Their selection depended on the policies of the organizing body and the format of the respective tournament.

The list of Club's All-Star Players:

Mens 

1.H. Rajanna

2.M. Muniswamy

3.B. Muniyappa

4.Sri Omshankar

Boys 

1.M. Shivaram

2.Dr. R. Dhanpal

3.Sri Vijendra Devadasen

In 1963, Professor N. C. Parappa led the Devanga Union basketball team to an All India Basketball Tournament in Kottayam, Kerala. This is believed to have been the first time a sports club from Bengaluru travelled across a state border to participate in an All India Level Basketball Tournament, demonstrating Professor N C Parappa's vision of promoting club players beyond state boundaries.

Professor N C Parappa possessed a unique ability to identify and nurture basketball talent while fostering a strong spirit of healthy competition among players. Although the club was attracting many young boys to the sport, there were limited opportunities for them to participate in competitive tournaments.

In 1960, Professor N C Parappa initiated a structured programme to develop the youngsters' individual skills and team spirit by introducing an innovative inter-house basketball competition at the club. The players were divided into four houses: Naismith, Buck, Jawahar, and Shivaji, which competed against one another throughout the season. This system created a highly competitive environment, encouraged discipline and camaraderie, and provided every player with regular opportunities to showcase and improve their abilities. Professor N C Parappa believed that sustained competition within the club was the key to producing confident, skilled, and match-ready basketball players. Coincidentally, in 1963, the Mysore State Basketball Association introduced tournaments for boys. This provided the club's young players with opportunities to compete at the state level and represent Mysore State.

While running a sports club requires sustained financial support, most community clubs historically received little to no institutional assistance. To overcome this challenge, Professor N C Parappa initiated a unique fundraising campaign of collecting voluntary donations during weddings and other family functions within the community. Over time, this noble initiative became an established tradition at Devanga weddings. Both the bride’s and the groom’s families would make voluntary contributions to the Devanga Sangha, Sri Hemakoota Gayatri Peeta, and the Devanga Union.These donations directly helped strengthen the community’s social, cultural, religious, and sporting institutions. Remarkably, this tradition continues to this day, reflecting the Devanga community’s enduring spirit of unity, generosity, and commitment to preserving the institutions that serve society.

Chapter Five 

National Recognition and Social Development

The club's national prominence was further strengthened in 1967 when two players, the B. Muniyappa and the M. Muniswamy, were selected to represent India at the Asian Basketball Championship held in Seoul, South Korea. Another distinguished player, Sri G. R. Nagaraja, earned the honor of representing the Indian Junior Basketball Team, reflecting the club's enduring commitment to nurturing youth talent.

Professor N C Parappa held the unique distinction of serving both as the Organizing Secretary of the 1963 National Basketball Championships held in Bengaluru and as the coach of the Mysore State Basketball Teams.

Under his coaching the Mysore State Women's Basketball Team made history, the team had won its first national title at the National Basketball Championship held in Jaipur in 1961, and they repeated this phenomenal performance in 1963 in Bengaluru under Professor N C Parappa's supervision. More than six decades later, these remain the state's only two Senior National Women's Basketball Championship titles, making the Jaipur and Bengaluru triumphs legendary milestones in the history of state sports and games. 

This article pays tribute to Sri Om Shanker and B Muniyappa, two distinguished products of Devanga union whose remarkable performances earned admiration across the basketball fraternity. Their success reflects the visionary coaching of Professor N C Parappa, whose tireless efforts in nurturing young talent transformed the Devanga Union into one of the foremost centres of basketball excellence in Mysore. Their achievements are not merely individual milestones but enduring symbols of the rich sporting legacy of Cubbonpet, and a source of pride and inspiration for future generations of basketball players.

Chapter Six

Promoting Grassroots and School Basketball

Among the outstanding personalities who shaped Bengaluru's vibrant basketball ecosystem, Professor N. C. Parappa left an enduring impact on grassroots youth sports through his leadership at the Government College of Physical Education, and the Lions Club of Bangalore.

In the1960s, while serving as Principal of the Government College of Physical Education at Kanteerava Stadium, Professor N C Parappa initiated basketball tournaments for schoolchildren and college boys as part of the Independence Day Sports and Games celebrations. These tournaments provided young players with their first experience of organized competition and laid the foundation for the systematic development of school and collegiate basketball in the city.

Building upon this pioneering initiative, Professor N C Parappa continued his commitment to youth basketball during the 1960s and 1980s. As Chairman of the Boys and Girls Committee of the Lions Club of Bangalore, he worked tirelessly to expand competitive sports opportunities school students. Among his most significant contributions was organizing the Lions Club of Bangalore Inter-High School Basketball Tournament for the Y. H. Venkataramanappa Rolling Trophy, and the K. Gangadhar Memorial Basketball Tournament, at Devanga Union.These prestigious competitions attracted leading schools from across the city, became annual fixtures on Bengaluru's sporting calendar, and served as vital talent-identification platforms for collegiate and state selectors. Through these sustained initiatives spanning more than two decades, Professor Parappa played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and strengthening the very foundation of school and collegiate basketball in Bengaluru.

Under the leadership of Professor N C Parappa, Union members and well-wishers also envisioned establishing a Devanga School of Sports, a forward-looking concept designed to provide young boys and girls from the community with scientific coaching, physical education, and holistic character development. The formation of the first Women's Basketball Team was another landmark achievement, especially at a time when opportunities for girls in organized sports were limited. Guided by Professor N C Parappa and supported by dedicated administrators and patrons, including G. S. Nagaraj, T. Sankappa, K. Chandraiah, H. Rajanna, Dr. R. Dhanapal, and Smt. Swaroop Seetaramaiah, the team became a powerful symbol of women's participation and empowerment through sports.

As a member of the inaugural batch of wrestling coaches trained at the National Institute of Sports, the predecessor of today's Sports Authority of India in Patiala, Punjab, in 1961, Professor N C Parappa was a formally certified coach. This qualification enabled him to mentor and guide Devanga Union players who aspired to obtain formal coaching certifications in basketball as well. This not only helped the club develop a robust pool of professionally qualified coaches but also significantly enhanced the career and employment prospects of its players. Apart from Professor N C Parappa, other NIS-certified basketball coaches associated with the Devanga Union included:

 * S. Narayana

 * K. Narayana

 * Sri Om Shankar

 * B. Muniyappa

 * Sri R. Jayaram

 * Siddarangappa

 * Sri Subramanian

Their collective contributions strengthened the coaching architecture of the club and played a vital role in sustaining the growth of basketball across the state.

Chapter Seven 

Academic Legacy and Community Service

Since the 1930s, the Union’s basketball court had been made of mud, meaning no sports activities could be held on rainy days. This changed in 1975 when the Devanga Union's management committee, led by Professor N C Parappa, commenced the construction of an all-weather RCC floodlit basketball court. The project incurred a total cost of approximately ₹65,000, which was funded by an initial assistance of ₹10,000 from the Lions Club of Bangalore (Host), alongside generous contributions from club members and well-wishers. Remarkably, this very same court is still used today for coaching and 

tournaments.The court was officially inaugurated on September 12, 1976, by the late R. Gundu Rao, who was the Minister for Youth Services and Sports for the Government of Karnataka at the time.

In 1977, the late Sikander Bakht, then a prominent Union Minister of Sports, and subsequent Minister of External Affairs of India, visited the Devanga Union. During his visit, he complimented the management committee members for their dedicated efforts in encouraging sports and games within the city.

For any basketball player, the opportunity to represent the club in tournaments is vital for showcasing their talent and abilities. However, when a club has a surplus of players, playing opportunities naturally become limited. Recognising this challenge, Professor N C Parappa established two sister basketball clubs, first Bangalore Challengers, and later Halasuru Sports Union, to create additional opportunities for talented players. Today, Halasuru Sports Union continues to provide opportunities in keeping with Professor N C Parappa's vision, while Bangalore Challengers gradually faded into the background and eventually ceased to exist. Through these clubs, opportunities were provided for players who were unable to represent the Devanga Union, enabling them to compete at tournaments.This visionary initiative allowed the management to provide competitive opportunities to a larger number of talented basketball players, ensuring that their skills and potential did not go unnoticed.

This testimonial from Edward S. Steitz, President of the Basketball Federation of the United States of America and Director of Athletics at Springfield College, stands as a rare and distinguished tribute to Professor N. C. Parappa. Written on 26 January 1972, the letter acknowledges Professor Parappa's exceptional leadership in organising successful international basketball programmes, his pioneering role in raising the standard of basketball in Bengaluru and India, and his dedicated service to physical education.

Particularly significant is Dr. Steitz's personal observation that Professor Parappa, his former student at Springfield College, returned to India with the latest knowledge, methods, and vision in physical education and basketball. This endorsement from one of the world's foremost basketball authorities affirms Professor Parappa's place among the pioneers who laid the foundation for the growth of basketball in Karnataka and made a lasting contribution to Indian basketball.

Alongside his sporting accomplishments, Professor N C Parappa was a distinguished academician and administrator. Throughout his professional career, he demonstrated exemplary integrity, competence, and dedication, earning the deep respect of colleagues, faculty members, and students alike. His academic tenure was characterized by a steadfast commitment to the advancement of higher education and the promotion of physical education as an integral component of holistic learning.

His lifelong contributions were recognized through several prestigious honors:

In 1980, he received the Harry C. Buck Award from the YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai, for his outstanding contributions to physical education.

In1994, he was conferred the title "Devanga Ratna" by His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Dayananda Puri Mahaswamiji of Hemakoota Gayatri Peetha, Hampi, Karnataka for his exceptional service to the Devanga community.

In 2001, the Government of Karnataka honored him with the prestigious Kannada Rajyotsava Award for his distinguished contributions to education.

To perpetuate his memory and recognize his outstanding contributions to basketball, the Devanga Union, in association with the Karnataka State Basketball Association, instituted the Professor N. C. Parappa Memorial Rolling Trophy. The trophy continues to be awarded annually to the champions of the Karnataka State Basketball Association's First Division Basketball Championship.

Chapter Eight 

An Enduring Legacy

Those who knew Professor N C Parappa remember him not merely for his academic and administrative accomplishments, but for his humility, wisdom, and accessibility. He was a trusted mentor to generations of students, athletes, coaches, and community leaders.

Behind his achievements stood a deeply supportive family. Together with his late wife, Sappe Sarojamma, he built a home founded on strong values, a tradition of service that continues through their children and descendants.

Professor N. C. Parappa possessed a unique ability to inspire and motivate the youngsters of Cubbonpet to take up basketball. With his warm personality, persuasive approach, and genuine concern for every child, he encouraged them to enrol in coaching and training programmes. Rather than relying on material inducements, he instilled confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging, making every youngster feel valued and capable of achieving excellence. His dedication positively influenced the lives of many young players, several of whom went on to represent Karnataka and India with distinction. This remarkable ability to identify, nurture, and retain talent became one of the hallmarks of Professor N. C. Parappa's enduring legacy.

After 1965, Professor N. C. Parappa's direct involvement in coaching Karnataka's state basketball teams gradually declined. While no single documented reason has been identified, this may have been due to his increasing academic, professional, and community responsibilities, particularly his leadership roles in education and the Lions Club. Nevertheless, his commitment to nurturing young talent remained steadfast through school sports programmes and grassroots initiatives, ensuring that his contribution to Bengaluru's basketball movement continued in a different but equally meaningful way.

The remarkable growth of basketball in Bengaluru during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s was built upon a strong foundation of regular competitions, dedicated coaching, and the tireless efforts of visionary administrators and institutions. Clubs such as Devanga Union, educational institutions, the YMCA, and several clubs organised tournaments that provided players with continuous opportunities to compete, learn, and excel. 

However, from the 1980s onwards, the sport gradually began to lose its momentum. The number of well-organised tournaments declined, and with fewer opportunities for competitive play, the enthusiasm among players also diminished. No sport can attain or sustain excellence without a regular calendar of competitions. Tournaments are not merely occasions to determine champions; they are the proving grounds where players demonstrate the skills acquired through disciplined training, gain valuable experience, and develop the confidence to perform under pressure.

The fortunes of basketball in Cubbonpet naturally fluctuated in response to changing demographics, evolving sporting interests, and the recruitment of talented players by public sector undertakings and private companies. As many promising basketballers accepted employment opportunities elsewhere, local clubs gradually lost some of their finest players, which affected their long-term competitive strength.

The story of basketball in Cubbonpet is ultimately a story of vision, perseverance, and community spirit. From a modest mud basketball court emerged generations of outstanding players who went on to represent Mysore/ Karnataka and India with distinction at the national and international levels.

The legacy of Basketball in Cubbonpet lives on through the names of:

 * A. C. Das

 * M. G. Vijayasarathy

 * T. M. Shettappa 

 * S. Thimmanna

 * S. Thimmarayappa

 * G. Thimmu,

 * L. Papanni, 

 * B. N. Lakshminarayan

 * Y H Kempanna

 * B. Nanjundappa

 * Y. H. Venkataramanappa

 * D. Arasappa

 * K. M. Naganna

 * H. B. Shankarappa

 * Prof N C Parappa 

 * B. M. Rangadasappa

 * K. Narayan

 *Y. V. Venkatarangappa

 * S. N. Parappa

 * T. Vasanthaiah

 * V T Ashwath 

 * V T Surappa 

 * K. Chandraiah

* H. Rajanna

* T. Sankappa

* B Muniyappa 

* Sri Om Shanker 

* Sri R Jayram 

* Dr R Dhanpal 

 * Gante Shankarappa

 * The Lions Club of Bengaluru (Host)

 * V. M. Rangaswamy

 * C. S. Reddy

 * G. Appaji

 * G. C. Lokesh

The contribution of Cubbonpet to Karnataka's Basketball is historically monumental. Records show that Krishna Union, and Devanga Union emerged as a prominent teams during the 1930s and 1940s played an indispensable role in the growth of the game in the former Mysore State. Today, the Devanga Union continues to be celebrated as one of Karnataka's most enduring and respected sporting institutions. 

The present Executive Committee of the Devanga Union Sports Club, led by Sri R. Jayaram, and the Executive Committee of the Halasuru Sports Union, led by Sri N. Gnana Murthy, deserve to be complimented for their tireless efforts in sustaining their respective sports clubs. By carrying the torch forward with dedication and commitment, they have upheld the values and traditions nurtured by their mentor, Professor N. C. Parappa, in a manner that would, no doubt, have made him proud.

Chapter Nine 

Training Under Professor N C Parappa: My Recollections

My recollection of Devanga Union centres on the rigorous training sessions that began at 6:00 a.m. After reporting to Professor N C Parappa, we would start with physical exercises, followed by cross-country runs through Cubbon Park. We also climbed the steps of Vidhana Soudha as part of our endurance training a practice that is no longer possible today, as the area has become a restricted zone.

After completing our exercises, we patiently waited for our turn to practice on the court. Unlike today's teams, which are easily identified by coloured jerseys, we wore cloth bands across our chests to distinguish one team from another during practice matches.

The training was demanding, and like every young player, we aspired to represent the Devanga Union team.

However, when Halasuru Sports Union was formed, the younger players were given the opportunity to represent it, enabling them to participate in tournaments conducted by Karnataka Basketball Association and other clubs. Professor N C Parappa closely observed our performances and, after every practice session and tournament, offered constructive guidance and valuable suggestions that helped us improve our skills and develop into better basketball players.

In the evenings, under the floodlights, we watched the senior players practise, listening to their accounts of the team's achievements in various tournaments. Those conversations inspired us to work harder and dream of one day representing Devanga Union, and State.

Later, my college, Seshadripuram Junior College, Bengaluru, participated in the K. Gangadhar Memorial Basketball Tournament, organised by Devanga Union under the auspices of the Lions Club of Bengaluru. I was a member of that team, and although we did not progress very far in the tournament, participating in its inaugural edition remains one of my cherished memories.

Chapter Ten

Professor N. C. Parappa Centenary Year : A Living Legacy

The inauguration of Professor N. C. Parappa's Centenary Year and Celebrations was held on 7th January 2026, and would conclude on 20th January 2027, marked a historic milestone in the annals of physical education and sports in Karnataka. The celebrations brought together former players, coaches, administrators, family members, well-wishers, and sports enthusiasts to honour a visionary whose lifelong dedication made an enduring contribution to the growth and development of basketball in Bengaluru and across Karnataka.

To commemorate his birth centenary, Devanga Union, in association with the Karnataka State Basketball Association, organised the Professor N. C. Parappa Centenary Men's State-Level Invitation Basketball Tournament in June 2026. The tournament was a fitting tribute to a pioneer whose passion for the game inspired generations of players, coaches, and sports administrators.

The Centenary Basketball Tournament symbolised the continuation of the ideals that Professor N C Parappa cherished, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and service to society. The young basketballers who competed on the basketball court stood as living testimony to the enduring influence of his coaching philosophy and his unwavering commitment to the development of basketball.

More than a commemorative event, the centenary celebrations reaffirmed Devanga Union's historic contribution to basketball and inspired a new generation to preserve and strengthen the sporting traditions established by Professor N C Parappa. The occasion served as a bridge between the glorious past documented in this book and the promising future of basketball and sports in Bengaluru.

"A true teacher never retires. Through every player he inspired, every institution he nurtured, and every tournament held in his honour, Professor N. C. Parappa's legacy continues to live on. His centenary is not merely a celebration of one hundred years since his birth; it is a celebration of a century of inspiration."

About the Author

S. P. GaviRangappa is a dedicated health and wellness coach and content writer with a graduate degree from Bangalore University. Passionate about holistic well-being and social empowerment, he combines his knowledge of fitness, health, and traditional practices to promote balanced living. He is the founder of The Weft and Warp Society, an initiative devoted to supporting marginalized weaver communities by addressing their social, cultural, and economic challenges. Through this platform, he strives to empower traditional weaving families, promote sustainable livelihoods, and preserve India's rich textile heritage for future generations. Beyond his community work, GaviRangappa actively advocates for grassroots health awareness and mental well-being, sharing practical wellness insights through his writing, workshops, and local outreach programs. His work reflects a deep belief that true wellness arises from harmony between body, mind, and community.

Disclaimer

This book, Basketball: From Springfield to Cubbonpet, (Bengaluru), is the result of extensive research, personal recollections, interviews, archival references, and available historical records. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the information presented herein.

However, given the passage of time and the limited availability of documented records relating to certain events, institutions, and individuals, some details may be subject to differing interpretations or recollections. Any inadvertent errors, omissions, or inaccuracies are unintentional and will be gladly corrected in future editions upon verification.

The views and interpretations expressed in this book are those of the author and are intended solely to document and celebrate the history, development, and contributions of basketball and its pioneers, particularly in Cubbonpet. No part of this work is intended to diminish, misrepresent, or overlook the contributions of any individual, institution, or community associated with the sport.

The author acknowledges with gratitude the assistance and contributions of numerous players, coaches, administrators, historians, family members, and well-wishers whose memories and records have helped make this work possible.

This publication is dedicated to preserving sporting heritage and inspiring future generations to appreciate the values of sportsmanship, physical education, and community service.

GaviRangappa S. P.

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