Radhey Shyam: Hoopistani Indian Basketball Hall of Fame

Wherever he suited up, success followed close behind. An Olympian, a national team star, an Arjuna Awardee, and a scoring machine, Rajasthan's late, legendary baller Radhey Shyam has been inducted into the Hoopistani Indian Basketball Hall of Fame.

Originally from the village of Sri Madhopur in Rajasthan, Shyam went on to become a star for Services and an important player for India's national team in the 1970s. The 6-4 forward found his career highlight when he was named into Team India for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, India's only basketball appearance in the Olympic stage. Shyam was one of the best players in the team, averaging 15.3 ppg in seven games for India in Moscow, which was second-highest for Team India and 19th in scoring overall at the tournament. The overmatched Indian side lost all their contests, but Shyam finished the group stage with a flourish, tallying 32 points in a loss to Brazil.

Shyam also played for India at the 1982 Asian Games, held on his adopted home turf of New Delhi. India finished the tournament at 8th place. The same year, Shyam was awarded with the Arjuna Award for outstanding individual achievement in national sport.

Shyam passed away in his native village - Sri Madhopur - in 2006 at age 53.

Click here for more of the Hoopistani Indian Basketball Hall of Fame.