Frequently Asked Questions

We don’t claim that title. We let the record speak for itself. When choosing an academy in Delhi NCR, we believe you should look at four specific pillars of proof:

1. Longevity (Since 2010): Most programs are seasonal; we have been operational for 15+ uninterrupted years. We’ve been on the same courts in Dwarka through every challenge, providing a stable home for athletes.
2. Documented Results: Our students don’t just “play” - they win. From SGFI Nationals and Special Olympics Bharat to representing Team India and playing collegiate basketball at Iowa State University (USA), our Student Achievements are public record.
3. Institutional Recognition: Coach Ishwar Bhati’s honors come from the Government of India (Khel Ratna Award 2021), PEFI (National Best Coach 2024), and the NBA (Best Coach 2017). These are external validations of our coaching quality.
4. Verified Community Trust: We maintain a 4.9/5 rating from 450+ verified Google reviews. This is the most honest measure of our commitment to our players and their parents.

The Bottom Line: We don’t compete with other academies, we compete with our own standards. We aim to raise the bar for grassroots basketball in India every single year.

Don’t take our word for it, see the energy on the court yourself.

IB Sports Academy was founded in 2010 by Coach Ishwar Bhati. We have been running for over 15 years, making us one of North India’s longest-running dedicated basketball academies.
Our track record is fully documented on our Achievements page .

They are two arms of the same organization, run by the same coaching team under Coach Ishwar Bhati.

IB Sports Academy is our professional coaching program — structured batches, certified coaches, and competitive pathways for players aged 6 to 22 across 9+ locations in Delhi and Gurugram.

IB Sports Foundation is our social impact arm — providing free and subsidized training to underprivileged youth, children with disabilities, and orphanage communities through the Rise Through Hoops initiative.
Learn more at our Foundation page .

Three things stand out:

1. Game-Speed Training: We replicate real match tempo in every drill — less cone work, more live-play situations.
2. Global Exposure: Our athletes train regularly with international coaches from France, Morocco, USA, and Africa — coaches who have worked at FIBA and professional league levels.
3. Proven Results: Our students have won medals at National School Games, SGFI Nationals, Special Olympics Bharat, and one alumni is currently playing college basketball in the USA at Iowa State University.

We are an independent academy, but our credentials speak for themselves. Coach Ishwar Bhati was named Best Coach at the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program (2017–18) — an honor that came with an exclusive NBA coaching experience trip to Shanghai, China.
He was also appointed National Coach for the Delhi Boys Team at the 40th Youth National Basketball Championship (2025), where Delhi finished 4th nationally. Our coaching standards are built on NBA methodology and FIBA principles.

Basketball is one of the most complete physical development sports for growing children, and there is a strong reason why it is recommended by paediatricians and physical educators worldwide.

On fitness: A single basketball session develops cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength (legs, core, arms), agility, balance, and hand-eye coordination simultaneously. Unlike isolated gym exercises, basketball builds these through natural, game-driven movement, making it sustainable and enjoyable for children who resist structured fitness routines.

On height: While genetics is the primary determinant of height, basketball supports healthy skeletal development in growing children. The sport involves constant jumping, reaching, and full-body stretching, movements that stimulate growth plates and promote good posture. Many of India’s tallest athletes come from basketball backgrounds, and starting young means years of this healthy physical stimulus during the most important growth windows (ages 8–16).

On overall development: Basketball uniquely combines physical conditioning with cognitive skills, reading the court, making split-second decisions, spatial awareness, giving your child a mental workout alongside the physical one. Our players consistently report improved focus, better energy levels, and stronger sleep patterns once they begin regular training.

The earlier your child starts, the longer their development window. Book a free trial

This is the question every Indian parent carries, and it deserves a real answer, not a dismissal.

The short answer: structured sport done right improves academic performance, it does not compete with it.

Research consistently shows that children in regular physical training demonstrate better concentration, improved memory retention, and lower stress levels compared to sedentary peers. The discipline of showing up to training, following a coach’s instruction, and working toward goals transfers directly into study habits.

At IB Sports Academy, all our sessions are scheduled around school hours: morning slots on weekends and evening slots on weekdays, specifically so sport never conflicts with school. We also work with families during exam seasons, no child is penalised for prioritising academics when it matters.

The proof is in our alumni:

• Bhuvanesh Rajagopal played basketball at IB Sports Academy and went on to earn a place at Iowa State University, USA, sport and academics, together.
• Shaurya Jindal won a National Bronze medal in 2026 while continuing his schooling at ITL Public School.

Our experience across 3,200+ students is consistent, the ones who train regularly tend to be among the more focused and self-motivated students in their schools.

Fees vary by location, batch type, and training frequency (3 days vs. 6 days per week). WhatsApp us at +91 88605 00060 — we share the complete fee structure and batch timings for your nearest center, usually within a few hours of your message.

A one-time registration fee applies at enrollment, which includes your official IB Sports Academy jersey kit and onboarding documentation.

Yes. We accept enrollments throughout the year. There is no fixed academic calendar — batches run continuously and new players join on a rolling basis. WhatsApp us to check availability at your preferred center and get your child started at the next available session.

Yes. Through the IB Sports Foundation, we offer subsidized and free training to underprivileged youth and players with disabilities. Talent should never be limited by finances.
Learn more on our Foundation page .

Yes — your first session is completely free. No payment, no commitment required. Come meet the coaches, see the court, and let your child experience the game before deciding. Book your free trial on WhatsApp

Just bring sports shoes, comfortable clothes, and a water bottle — we provide the basketball for all trial sessions.

The first two weeks focus on assessment — coaches observe your child’s natural movement, coordination, and game sense to place them in the right batch and identify their starting points. From week three, structured training begins. Parents typically receive a first informal feedback note from the coach by the end of the month.

We accept players from 6 years old. Our junior sessions are play-based and low-pressure — focused on motor skills, coordination, and building a love for the game rather than intensive drilling.

Too young: We comfortably coach from age 6. Below that, we generally suggest waiting until the child has basic motor coordination and can follow group instructions. If your child is 5 and showing strong interest, speak to us — we assess on a case-by-case basis.

Too old to start: There is no such thing. Basketball is one of the few sports where a motivated late starter can develop meaningful competency within 12–18 months of consistent training. We have coached players who picked up the ball for the first time at 14, 16, even into their twenties — and went on to play competitively at school and college level.

For adults: If you are 25 and have never played, you will not go to the NBA. But you will get fitter, develop court awareness, make community connections, and genuinely enjoy yourself. Our Pay & Play sessions are perfect for adult beginners. Many of our Pay & Play regulars started with zero basketball experience.

The only time too late is never starting. WhatsApp us, tell us your age and experience level, and we will tell you exactly which batch is right for you.

• Academy Roots (Ages 6–10): Play-based fundamentals — coordination, court awareness, and confidence.
• Development (Ages 11–16): Technical skill acquisition, positional training, and tournament preparation.
• Elite (Ages 16–22): High-intensity preparation for State, University, and competitive levels.
• Pay & Play: Flexible drop-in sessions for adults and recreational players of all ages. Book on BookMyShow

Yes, holiday periods are some of our most popular training windows. When school is out, students have more time, more energy, and more hunger to develop. We run intensive training programs during:

• Summer holidays (May–June) — our busiest camp season, with higher-frequency sessions designed to accelerate skill development in a short window
• Diwali / October break
• Winter / December holidays

Holiday programs are open to both enrolled students (who benefit from additional court time) and new players who want to try basketball in a structured but time-limited format before committing to a regular batch.

Availability and specific dates vary by location and year. WhatsApp us at the start of each holiday season to check availability and reserve a spot, holiday slots fill up fast.

Absolutely. We train both boys and girls at all levels and are proud of our female athletes. Our Under-17 Girls Team (Zone 21) won the Inter-Zonal Silver Medal in 2026.

Through our Foundation program, Anshika represented Team India at the Special Olympics 3x3 Unified Basketball World Cup in Puerto Rico (2025), finishing 5th globally. Several of our female athletes have also represented Delhi State and participated in the Khelo India program.

Enrolled students get competitive exposure through multiple pathways depending on their batch and level:

• Inter IB Tournament — our flagship in-house championship, now in its 4th edition
• Jr. NBA Delhi NCR — Team IB won 1st place in 2023 and represented Delhi nationally
• SGFI, CBSE, and National School Games — our students have won medals at the 66th National School Games and SGFI Nationals
• Khelo India — multiple students have participated at state level

Our flagship center is at ITL Public School, Dwarka Sector 9, and we operate across 9+ school campuses in Delhi and Gurugram.
See all centers on our Locations page .

Most centers run weekday evening batches (after school hours) and weekend morning sessions (Saturday and Sunday). Specific slots depend on your nearest center, age group, and skill level. WhatsApp us with your area and we will share the current schedule for you.

Yes — and this is a growing part of what we do, especially across our Gurugram centers.
For working professionals and adults, we offer two formats:

• Pay & Play (Most Popular for Adults): Drop-in sessions with no monthly commitment. Show up, play structured basketball with other adults, and leave. 2 hours of real court time, coach-supervised, balanced teams. Bookable on Book on BookMyShow . Perfect for professionals who want regular activity without fixed schedules.
• Corporate Group Sessions: Companies looking for team-building events or regular employee wellness programs can book dedicated court sessions. We have worked with corporate groups before — see our Collaborate page for formats.

If you are not sure which fits you, tell us your age, experience level, and how many days per week you can commit. We will point you to the right format. Chat with us

We understand school schedules, exams, and life happen. There is no penalty for occasional absences, just inform your coach in advance. For extended absences (exam season, travel), we work with families to keep continuity without pressure.

Coaches give feedback after sessions and parents receive a progress update every 4–6 weeks. For Elite Batch athletes, we track specific performance metrics, tournament readiness, and college-pathway benchmarks. If you ever want a direct conversation about your child’s development, our coaches are always accessible.

Yes. We operate under a Zero-Tolerance Safeguarding Policy. All sessions take place in gated, secure school campuses with certified coaches present at all times. The school-managed environments also ensure clean facilities and responsible supervision throughout every session.

Yes — and we have documented proof.

• Aryan (IB alumni) went on to represent Team India on the international stage.
• Bhuvanesh Rajagopal (IB alumni) is now playing college basketball at Iowa State University, USA.
• Shaurya Jindal won National Bronze in 2026.
• Naunit Goyat won National Silver at the Under-14 Nationals in 2026.
  

See the full record on our Student Achievements page .

Both. We believe you cannot have a great team without high-IQ individuals. Our sessions are split: the first half focuses on Individual Skill Acquisition (ball handling, shooting mechanics, footwork) and the second half on Team Tactical Awareness (spacing, defensive rotations, and transition play).

Yes — institutional partnerships are central to how we operate. We currently coach at 9 school campuses across Delhi and Gurugram. We bring our coaching staff, curriculum, and equipment to your campus with minimal disruption and significant value for student development.
View details on our Collaborate page .

We welcome CSR partnerships, institutional grants, equipment donations, and volunteer coaching. Our Foundation runs the Sunday Centre for Special Children (featured in the Times of India), the Don Bosco Ashalayam outreach program, and the Special Olympics Bharat training program.
Visit IB Sports Foundation or email foundation.ibsports@gmail.com to start a conversation.