Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Poland. It takes the number ten position on the list of popular Polish sports right after formula one. 26% of people stated they are glad when they come across a game on their telly or plan. Even though watching popularity is 50% less compared to the most popular sport in the country football, basketball still has plenty of fans among Polish people. So let’s see why this sport is such a big deal in this country.
The Future of Players
Unlike countries like France and Spain, Poland does not have four or five athletes making it to the NBA yearly. Instead, a few years have to pass before another guy earns his place in the National League. One of the main reasons this happens is that the country does not feature a program to teach the sport to young players. Youth camps are not the greatest priority. In other words, whenever a player gains international renown it becomes a big deal. After all, young people who love the sport have a disadvantage here compared to some other countries.
The Golden Time for Polish Basketball
However, it wasn’t always like this. Back in the 60s and ’70s, Polish people were crazy about this sport. Their national team appeared almost without exception in the Olympics. Moreover, their players were rather competitive and feisty. Since 1984, however, Poland hasn’t been so lucky to qualify for the Games.
Even so, lovers of this sport take pleasure in watching a game on the TV, while many enjoy occasional betting on the events. Avid fans thus like to explore online casino sites that offer wagering on a particular event or even basketball-themed slot games or virtual games based on this sport.
What Happened to Basketball?
Once upon a time, Poland used to broadcast NBA games on television. Children felt inspired after watching Michael Jordan and other iconic players go outside and engage in streetball. Older people bet on their national team, certain of their win. Today, thanks to Betsson and other reputable gambling sites, fans can support their teams easier than ever. Although it wasn’twhat it used to be, it still has a large fanbase.
In 1992, however, these games left public TV on account of the Broadcasting Act, and the sport was undermined. Ever since young kids haven’t had the same opportunity to develop an interest in the game, so the sport never regained its former glory.
The Shift
That was obvious to the greater public as the federation hired a couple of coaches who didn’t fit the program quite. As a result, Poland suffered a series of losses and evidently lacked discipline. Hand in hand, it started losing plenty of sponsors. This is why the recent turn of events generated massive hype. Poland actually managed to beat Slovenia in Eurobasket.
Consequently, teams in Poland left without a lot of things that other national teams had at their disposal. Rather than practicing in adequate facilities, players were made to spend time in the worst gyms. Moreover, they had to stay at run-down places instead of classy hotels. All this pointed to the fact that basketball was largely shaken by the Act from 1992.
How Do Polish People Play Basketball?
In spite of its ‘downfall’, Poland has had a fair share of success when it comes to this sport. This European country has qualified as many as 28 times for the European Basketball Championship. The proudest moment was certainly back in 1963 when they won the silver medal on home soil. Even though they didn’treceive a golden medal, the whole country cheered and felt proud of their enormous success.
Conclusion
To summarize, the sport is one of the most famous in Poland. Although it lost its former fame, it still is an important part of the country’s national identity. For avid sports fans, it will always remain a source of inspiration and pride.
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