This Basketball Super Fan Hasn’t Missed a Game in 20 Years

The Toronto Raptors have only been around for about 20 years, but Nav Bhatia has never missed a game. This super fan left his native India to resettle in Toronto, and when the NBA came to the frozen north, Bhatia bought his first two tickets. That was all it took to hook him. Now Bhatia sits courtside and hangs with the team and Canadian royalty (ahem, Drake). He also represents the changing face of basketball fans, both in Canada and around the world.

This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.

[dripshameless]

Had to see this again after Kobe's passing. I'm glad he did that with Nav, truly shows character from Kobe. RIP

[Ishouldve]

Nav Bhatia used to be my moms boss, brought me to my first raptors game when i was 12 im 21 now great to see him finally getting some attention. He does wonders for people in toronto

[ArsPK]

And he gives hundreds of tickets away to the community every season! He's pretty awesome!

[maxrogers]

I met Nav a few years back at a basketball game in Ottawa. He had courtside seats with a couple of his friends but they had to leave early. Not wanting two courtside seats to go to waste, he decided to look for someone to fill the empty space. At halftime Nav walked up to my little brother and, he asked if we wanted to sit with him. I had no idea who he was and I was a little bit hesitant but my Dad said it was ok. At no point during the game did he mention that he was the Raptors super fan, he spent his time cheering and chatting with my brother and I. He is such a kind guy and this video only shows the tip of the iceberg.

[vincentmoses]

Dude. I saw that guy at the raptors pacers game. He gave me a high five. He is so cool.

[randomguy.]

He must be really proud of the raptors for the championship

[seal]

yep he's there for every game, see him all the time, great fan.

[paulz]

met this guy a few games ago. He's a great guy!

[klof]

Thank you for continuously providing A+ content that tells incredible stories from everywhere

[TheBorderlinez]

who’s here after they gave him a championship ring ?

[williamfykes]

He must be heartbroken over Kobe's death, rip kobe

[hernandezz]

He must be so happy, the raps just won the eastern conference!

[lordfarquad]

Who is here because you always see him behind the basket😂

[christianrossini]

i was recently at a raptors game bc thats where i live and i was sitting 2 rows in back of this guy and got a photo with him he is pretty cool

[yellowboi]

Man everybody just take a moment and respect him🙏we need more people like this in this world

[ssboc]

As a Sikh it’s pretty cool to see someone of Indian culture making such a big impact

[jackcrowe]

I saw this guy at every raptor game last season in the playoffs and when I saw this I was just like holy fuck

[lofibluebird]

With the way he pronounces Raptors with that beautiful R it was destined.

[fauzanharun]

if raps win a ring this guy should get a ring too

[dhzw]

Him: ‘I’ve never missed a raptors game.”


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