The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inducted the Class of 2020 on May 15, 2021. This years class included superstar names such as Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and the late Kobe Bryant. As special as this weekend was with Michael Jordan inducting Kobe and the Bryant family in attendance there was one more very special moment happening on Sunday Mark 16, 2021.
The James Goldstein Superfan Gallery was unveiled at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the first honoree was none other than the Toronto Raptor’s Superfan, Nav Bhatia.
“It is beyond my wildest dreams to be honored in the same building as some of the greats in the game. To have the opportunity to celebrate the Fan’s of the game is truly unique to the NBA is a remarkable gesture by the league.
I am excited to accept the invitation into the Basketball Hall Of Fame.
Over the years basketball has helped my to overcome many differences. As a practicing immigrant of Sikh faith, because of my turban and beard I have been on the receiving end of many discriminatory remarks. Basketball has helped me not only be confident with who I am but also has helped me to change the views of many towards South Asians. As we sit together to watch the game we love and cheer on our home team we realize we are more alike than different. I hope to use this honor to bring even more people together”
“I have to thank the NBA, the Raptor’s, my manager Rinku Ghei, and of course my daughter Tia Bhatia and wife Arvinder Bhatia who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this Superfan.
Nav was also presented a new Hall Of Fame class of 2020 by Baron Championship Rings, known for their work on the Raptor’s championship rings.
In addition to the Ring Nav’s gallery displays proudly the first ever Turban in the Hall Of Fame as well as a replica of his championship ring, a superfan bobblehead, custom superfan shoes, a superfan basketball, his infamous courtaide seat A12 and the original Raptor’s jersey Isiah Thomas presented to Nav in 1998 at court court declaring Nav the “Superfan”
DATE OF CEREMONY: Sunday May 16th