US Department of State Program

jdBASKETBALL  + George Mason University

Soft Power Diplomacy

I just finished another amazing tour in India!

From the TEDIndia conference, to hooping it up around the subcontinent, I’d have to say this is one of my best trips yet!

This jdBASKETBALL happening is part of the US Department of State Sports Programming Initiative with institutional partner George Mason University.

Delhi, Kolkata

From the Park Hotel and Delhi YMCA, Rajeev and Ramesh are in five star class suits looking like hi rollers! — To the infamous Mr. P.M. John, — Sagar, Ayesha the Bengali and Delhi hoop lovers, little Buddah and the Bengal Club, this trip enjoyed rediscoveries and many new friends along the way. They are all in my heart and I take their memories with me on my journey.

The photos from the program/trip can be found here: www.facebook.com/jdbasketball.india

The only casualty of the trip was a few missed taxis’s, a reserved but unpaid air ticket, and a pair of broken glass frames, which happened during one of the drills. Hmm, I wonder how that happened . . . Coach???

It was also the first time in my (almost) four years and 150+ days of clinics in India that I brought along a couple of friends for the ride.

Craig Esherick (former head basketball coach at Georgetown University) and Dr. Bob Baker (Head of sports Management at George Mason University) came and did great job.  Showing them around India was a pleasure. It’s always fun watching how the Indian players and coaches respond!

I even met the famous Indian singer, Usha Uthup – now that is an amazing woman!

Newly appointed by President Obama, Timothy Roemer, the US Ambassador to India, dropped in unexpectedly and took part in the drills. He then gave an impromptu chat to the kids. His message: dream big!

The Ambassador even mentioned (unbeknownst to me) that his three kids had been to one of my camps and loved it! I was surprised and humbled for sure!

JD Walsh with Ambassador Roemer at New Delhi YMCA

There’s a lot more in store for the next month, so stay tuned!

Clearly, I am having a hard time distinguishing where is home these days. As they say in India – I am here, only.

I could write more, but videos can tell a million words. Check out these trip highlights:

TEDIndia