Published on: February 22, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The basketball nursery of Rajnandgaon has once again reinforced its national reputation by producing yet another shining star. Dipshikha Ekka, a raw talent from the tribal belt of Ambikapur, has been selected under the sports quota by the Northeast Frontier Railway, Guwahati.
Her selection marks not just personal success but the triumph of a grassroots development model meticulously built by international basketball coach Kalwa Rajeshwar Rao and Kalwa Radha Rao.
A Journey Rooted in Talent Identification
Dipshikha’s journey began during a talent search program conducted in 2014–15 in Surguja district, in collaboration with the district basketball association. Among participants from Kasturba Gandhi residential schools, her potential stood out immediately.
After initial grooming under national coach Rajesh Pratap Singh, she was brought to Rajnandgaon for structured, scientific training and enrolled at Yugantar Public School. Within a short span, she clinched gold medals at State School Games, CBSE Cluster tournaments, and the CBSE National Basketball Championship.
Her consistent performance earned her a place in the residential scheme of the Sports Authority of India training centre at Rajnandgaon, where she continued to excel.
Dominance at the University Level
Recognizing her talent, ITM University, Gwalior granted her free admission. She went on to win gold at the West Zone Inter-University Championship and qualified for the All India Inter-University Tournament. She also represented her institution at the Khelo India University Games.
After completing her studies, she secured admission at Kurukshetra University, where she once again struck gold at the All India Inter-University Basketball Championship.
A Model of Grassroots Excellence
The Rajnandgaon basketball centre has long been known for nurturing girls from tribal, backward, and economically weaker sections, particularly from conflict-affected regions. Besides Dipshikha, other talents from Surguja — Nisha Kashyap, Shabnam Ekka, and Urvashi Baghel — have also secured jobs under the sports quota in the South East Central Railway, Bilaspur.
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Dipshikha Ekka’s success story stands as powerful testimony that with scientific training, sustained mentorship, and institutional support, even the most remote talents can rise to national prominence.
Her achievement has drawn widespread appreciation from coaches, sports bodies, and well-wishers across the state, marking yet another proud chapter for Rajnandgaon’s celebrated basketball nursery.
