Ram Kumar is a former basketball player who played for Indian during 1985 to 1996. He represented the Indian national basketball team at several international championships. He was also the captain of Indian national basketball team from 1991 to 1995. Kumar is mainly known for his impeccable 3 point shooting. In the year, 2003, he was honoured with the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award for the lifetime achievement in Indian basketball. Presently, he is the coach of the junior Indian team and is regarded as the best coach of the country till date.

Earlier Life of Ram Kumar
He was born on 4 February 1964. He is the son of former basketball player Khushi Ram, an Arjuna award winner. His younger brother Ashok Kumar was also an international basketball player.Career of Ram Kumar

The sporting career of Ram Kumar kick started in the year 1983. Kumar played his first National Championship at Calicut. Initially, he worked in the income tax department in Jaipur but later in 1987, he shifted to Western Railway. Inspired by his father who is also known as old war horse of railway, Kumar became a basketball player. He participated in various national level tournaments and showed his excellent basketball skill. In the National Championships, he represented Indian Railways and during his tenure, Indian Railways grabbed eight Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze medals. Owing to his brilliant performances, he was also offered to play in professional leagues in Romania and Iran but turned down the offer.

According to sports personalities, Ram Kumar is one of the finest shooter India has ever produced. His initial coaching mainly took place under the patronage of his father late Khushi Ram. Kumar`s father noticed his shooting techniques and his gifted physical strength at a very early stage. As per his father, even in his early teens, Kumar would end up shooting 500 balls in a day at the practice sessions which is actually a difficult task to do for a shooting guard.

Achievements of Ram Kumar at National and International Level

•Best scorer from India at Asian basketball championship at Seoul in 1995
•Best shooter at test matches played against U. S.A at New York in 1992
•Best player in S.A.F Games in Colombo in 1991
•Top scorer in world railway games at Romania in 1991
•Top scorer of tournament at world railway games in New Delhi in 1987
•Top 3 point shooter at Asian basketball championship at Bangkok in 1987

Awards of Ram Kumar

•Kumar was honoured with Dhyan Chand Award in 2003.
•He is also the recipient of Maharana Pratap Award (1989).
•In the year 1994, Kumar also received Rail Minister Award.