Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: As India’s University Basketball Team readies to compete at the FISU World University Games 2025 in Germany, all eyes in Goa are on Jeshua Antonio Dos Remedios Pinto, who will don the national colours and represent the nation at one of the world’s most prestigious multi-sport university events.
The basketball tournament, scheduled to begin on July 19, in the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region, will see Jeshua going up against some of the finest student-athletes from across the globe. With over 10,000 participants from more than 150 nations competing across 18 disciplines, this edition is being hailed as one of the largest university-level sporting spectacles ever. India is sending its largest-ever contingent, comprising over 300 athletes and Jeshua’s selection to the men’s basketball team is a particularly proud moment for Goa.
Led by Krishnapalsinh Gohil of Gujarat and coached by Dhyan Chand Awardee Ram Kumar, the Indian team recently concluded an intensive national training camp at the Starting Five RSC Basketball Academy in Kochi. The squad has been drawn in a challenging Group B, featuring formidable opponents such as the USA, Romania, and Latvia.
Although Jeshua’s selection was announced earlier this year, his journey to Germany is still being written—and it continues to inspire. At just 23, this Calangute-based athlete is already considered one of Goa’s finest basketball exports, having climbed the ranks from humble beginnings to international recognition.
“Jeshua was an all-rounder as a child, dabbling in football and basketball. He even played in GFA’s U-14 and U-16 leagues,” said his mother and first coach, Helen Pinto. “But by 14, he was fully committed to basketball. From training on concrete courts to travelling across states for better exposure, he has earned every bit of this moment,” she added, reflecting on the sacrifices that shaped his journey.
Sandeep Heble, Vice President of the Goa Basketball Association, recalled Jeshua’s formative years:
“He used to represent a then little-known team from Saligao—Lourdes Basketball Club—who were underdogs but crowd favourites. They consistently challenged top teams like DBO Fatorda, YMCA Knights, and Sonics, despite the age and experience gap.”
“Over time, those underdogs became Goa’s top team, training together with discipline and determination. Under Jeshua’s leadership, they’ve won the State Championship three years in a row. He’s a modest, grounded, and driven player—an inspiration to his peers. The entire Goan basketball fraternity is proud of his achievements,” Heble added.
Jeshua’s academic and athletic journey has been just as impressive. After completing his schooling at Lourdes Convent, Saligao, he pursued his Graduation at Loyola College, Chennai, renowned for its basketball culture. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Kota, Rajasthan.
Over the past few years, Jeshua has steadily built a decorated resume: Gold medal at the Khelo India University Games 2023, silver medal at the All India University 3x3 Basketball Championship 2024, selection to the Delhi Dribblers for the inaugural INBL U-25 League 2025.
His inclusion in the Indian squad is not just a personal milestone; it represents a moment of pride for Goan sport. Jeshua’s journey stands as a testament to the potential of athletes from smaller states, when supported with the right opportunities and a platform to grow.