More Sports Basketball Basketball PM Narendra Modi lauds 'historic' first-ever NBA India game Indiana Pacers beat the Sacramento Kings in both the NBA pre-season games in Mumbai and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called it a historic moment. PTI 06 October, 2019 01:06 IST Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted positively on the NBA's first-ever game in India. - AP PTI 06 October, 2019 01:06 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) first-ever match in the country as an historic moment for the Indo-US relations.The high-profile basketball league made its eagerly awaited India debut on Friday with Indiana Pacers edging past Sacramento Kings 132-131 in a thrilling contest in Mumbai.READ| NBA in India: Indiana Pacers does the double over Sacramento KingsIn the second game on Saturday, the Pacers successfully completed a double over the Kings with a 130-106 win.“Yesterday was a historic day for sports in India and India-USA relations. Mumbai hosted the first ever @NBA match played in India. The game between @Pacers and @SacramentoKings was a treat for sports lovers. Congratulations to both teams for a riveting contest. #NBAIndiaGames,” Modi tweeted. Basketball is very popular among our youth. The @NBA matches set the stage, or rather set the court for greater linkages in sports. I hope more youngsters pursue basketball and also contribute to the Fit India Movement. #NBAIndiaGames— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 5, 2019 “Basketball is very popular among our youth. The @NBA matches set the stage, or rather set the court for greater linkages in sports. I hope more youngsters pursue basketball and also contribute to the Fit India Movement. #NBAIndiaGames,” he added.Last month, speaking at the ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston, Texas, US president Donald Trump had mentioned his interest in NBA’s debut in India.“Am I invited Mr Prime Minister?” Trump had asked, adding that NBA will be one of America’s best exports to India. Subscribe to our daily newsletter Get your daily dose of Sportstar with handpicked stories delivered right to your inbox! SUBSCRIBE Please enter a valid email address.