Irin Elsa John, a young Basketball player from Kerala got selected to represent India in the Junior NBA Global championship, a youth basketball tournament. It’s a no mean feat achieved by her, being the only girl from Kerala to get selected to the national team. Talking to Catholic Focus she said, “I feel very happy that have selected in the Indian Team because very few people get this chance.” Speaking about the selection of her from three Malayalee candidates from the national camp, Irin says that “All three of us played well. I feel that God has given a special blessing to me.” Irin belongs to Little Flower Forane Church, Nerul, of Kalyan Diocese.
Irin drew inspiration from her mother who was an ace basketball player. Her mom who was part of the Central Railway team and have played several national and international tournaments. Taking encouragement from the family, Irin dreams of playing basketball for the entire life and getting recognized as a good basketball player. Currently studying in ninth grade at Mount Carmel school Kottayam, Irin says that staying in the school hostel, she gets enough time along with her studies to practice in the morning and the evening. When asked about the role of Faith formation in her life Irin said‘‘ My Parents taught me to go to church every day. Luckily I got a school in such a way that I can participate in the Holy Mass every day. I am studying in 10th standard of the catechism. Our Convent nuns are helping me to study well” She also expressed her gratitude to her parents who have been supporting her since childhood.
The Junior NBA Global Championship will be held in the US and International sections respectively. The winners of the US and International leagues will take part in the global championships which will be held on August 11.
