An Amazing Story About Toronto Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia
Photo Credit: NBAE via Getty Images
An Amazing Story About Toronto Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia
Nav Bhatia, better known as ‘The Superfan’ has basically been part of the Raptors ever since they played their first NBA game.
Bhatia hasn’t missed one home game in Raptors history. He’s been in the arena every single game since the franchise’s debut in 1995. That’s just crazy if you think about it.
Journalist and fellow Toronto native Muhammad Lila now shared an incredible and touching story of how Bhatia’s love with the Raptors started:
When you think of the Raps, you probably think of Drake on the sidelines, as the team’s biggest fan.
The thing is, he’s not.
In Toronto, we love @Drake. But there’s someone else who symbolizes everything great about Toronto and Canada. pic.twitter.com/qWPCs5TRHK
— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019
He’s been at every single Raptors home game since 1995.
That' right: Every. Single. One.
Through Damon, Vince, CB4, a zillion coaches, blackouts, blizzards, you name it.
Big deal, right? Wait, there’s more. pic.twitter.com/zdjf6vf4Ck
— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019
He sold 127 cars in just ninety days. It’s a record that stands to this day. He did it the old-fashioned way, by being honest (and yes, some catchy radio ads). He was so good that he eventually bought the dealership. Crazy, right.
Guess what’s crazier? pic.twitter.com/K1so1Jagdq
— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019
If you go to a Raps game, you’ll see his big ass huge goofy smile, on the baseline.
When you’re an immigrant, nothing feels more Canadian than waving a Canadian flag while cheering your team. Sports is the great equalizer. pic.twitter.com/2S4pP1dZo8
— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019
You’ll hear a dozen languages, see black guys in dreads hanging out with Korean guys eating poutine. In other cities, that would be weird.
In Toronto, it’s perfectly normal. It’s how the 6ix rolls.
Take this pic. How many colors/ethnicities can you see? At least a dozen. pic.twitter.com/ni5zxD5SZu
— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019
That while the world is building walls, Canada is building bridges.
A guy like @superfan_nav is our best symbol of that.
He’s not just a guy from Toronto. He *is* Toronto.
A place where people work hard, make it, and still care enough to give back. pic.twitter.com/K5do9KqjgE
— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019
Basketball can be more than just a game.
When the finals tip-off on Thursday, the world is going to see Toronto being Toronto: Diverse, strong, caring.
And there’ll be a 67-year old Sikh turbaned guy leading the charge.
And you know what, we're okay with that.
END pic.twitter.com/7bPtkutTP8
— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019
Just got off the phone with Nav. I asked him what he'd tell the world about Canada, he said:
"Other counties might be richer, but they’re not richer in mannerisms, politeness, or looking after each other.. And the country south of us has a lot to learn."
— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019
