She’s just 16, yet she has already brought laurels to Mysuru and Karnataka. Representing the Indian U-16 Women’s Team, that clinched the championship title at the recently concluded FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur) U-16 Women’s Asia Cup 2025 (Division B) in Malaysia, Shravani Shivanna has swiftly made her mark in India’s basketball circuit.
Class XI student at Excel Public School, Mysuru, Shravani aspires to captain the senior Indian Women’s Team. Recognising her achievement, the school management honoured her with the Prof. M.H. Dhananjaya Scholarship, offering a 75 percent concession on tuition fees.
She is the daughter of Vanishree, a teacher at Excel Public School, and Shivanna, a basketball coach. The family resides in Kuvempunagar, and her elder brother, Sagar Shivanna, is a musician.
Star of Mysore caught up with Shravani for a conversation about her journey, experiences and aspirations in basketball. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): What made you choose basketball as the sport of your interest?
Shravani: I draw inspiration from my father, who was a national-level player. He used to take me to the basketball court when I was very young, and I always wanted to make him proud.
It began as a hobby, but after my first Nationals in 2022, when I represented the Karnataka team, I realised I wanted to take it seriously. My dad also began giving me extra coaching sessions, and that motivated me to take the road less travelled.
SOM: Now that you’ve been part of the India U-16 team, how do you feel about the journey so far?
Shravani: The journey has been quite tough. Basketball isn’t a sport that receives widespread support, but my parents have always encouraged me to pursue what I love. In the beginning, I didn’t find basketball very enjoyable — it was hard balancing academics and training.
But once I truly fell in love with the game, everything became easier to handle. Honestly, I never imagined I’d make it to the Karnataka team, let alone the Indian camp. But I grabbed every opportunity that came my way, and that’s what led me here.
SOM: What’s your daily routine like, and how do you balance basketball with academics?
Shravani: That’s actually a tough question! To be honest, I barely study. My basketball routine is very intense — I train for about five and a half hours every evening, from 5 pm to 10.30 pm.
Before joining the India camp, I also practiced athletics in the mornings to build my speed and stamina. It was pretty hectic, especially when I was preparing for my Class X Board exams. Now that I’m in Class XI and most events are done, I plan to take a month or two to catch up on the studies I’ve missed.
SOM: The growth of basketball compared to other sports in Karnataka?
Shravani: Basketball has definitely been improving in Karnataka over the last five to ten years. Of course, cricket remains the favourite for most people, but I believe parents should let their children follow their passion if they want to succeed.
To make basketball more popular, we need to organise more tournaments and provide better facilities. In countries like USA, players get to compete every week or month, but here, we hardly get to play four or five tournaments a year at the district or national level.
SOM: How have your parents and school supported you in your endeavours?
Shravani: My school has supported me from day one. Both Principal K.G. Mathew and Vice-Principal Gubain Mathew have been incredibly encouraging, always allowing me to attend every camp I was selected for. They’ve been kind enough to provide me with the necessary attendance and academic support, which has helped me focus on the court with a clear and positive mind to give my best for the State and the Country.
As for my parents, they have been my strongest pillars of support. My mother has been my emotional anchor, while my father has been the driving force behind improving my basketball skills. I truly wouldn’t have reached this level without their constant support and guidance.
SOM: Can you share your experience at the FIBA U-16 Women’s Asia Cup?
Shravani: It has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. For the first time, I truly felt the intensity of international-level competition — playing alongside incredible players and learning from some of the best coaches. I’m really proud to have been part of an Indian team that maintained its unity and fighting spirit till the very end. Personally, I’m happy with my performance. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in such a prestigious tournament.
SOM: Now that you’ve represented the country at the junior level, what are your future goals?
Shravani: I’ve always dreamed of becoming the captain of the senior Indian Women’s Team. My long-term goal is to help India qualify for the Olympics by progressing through Division B and A. In the short term, I aim to represent India in the U-18 Women’s Team at the 2028 Asian Cup. I want to give my absolute best and keep improving to reach the next level.
This post was published on October 26, 2025 7:32 pm