MUMBAI: NBA star Chris Bosh is confident that basketball will catch up with other sports in India in popularity but conceded that cricket will remain number one in fan following just like American football is in his home country.

“I don’t think it (basketball) will be the mostpopular sport (in India). Even in America, it is not the most popular sport. American football will always be the king. But that does not mean a lot of people won’t like it.

“I think cricket will always be the national sport but it is always great to love another sport and other people to see what else is out there,” Bosh told media in an interaction here during his maiden visit to the country to promote basketball.

Bosh is also optimistic that an Indian player would make it to NBA ranks in the near future though he is yet to see firsthand the potential of the hoopsters in this country.

“I have heard about different guys in college who have the ability to develop their talent. Given the right situation, it is not going to be long.

“I am sure it will be very exciting. Once an Indian player makes it to NBA, kids will watch that and they will know even they can do it,” said the American star who has been part of the two-time NBA championship-winning side Miami Heat.

“I think the work we are doing here will go a long way. There are other ways through which you can get people’s interest. With the development of technology and social media, the people of India can see what a great game it is. People can see an NBA game. (They will) play if they like it or still remain a fan,” he said.

As founder of the ‘Chris Bosh Foundation’ for sports, he will collaborate with NBA to be one of the spokespersons of the game and try to develop the sport in India.

“I will probably coordinate with NBA here. They brought me here, otherwise I never would have had the chance to come here. It is great that the NBA is here.