TORONTO, Ont. (July 31, 2019) – Canada Basketball is proud to welcome Nav Bhatia as the Global Community Ambassador of Canada Basketball ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

“Nav is not only a passionate basketball fan but an advocate for the values and benefits the game can have off the court and in the community,” said Glen Grunwald, Canada Basketball President & CEO.  “Canada Basketball is excited to work with Nav to grow the game of basketball in Canada, while we continue to chase our goals at the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.”

A long-time supporter of the Toronto Raptors and basketball across Canada, Nav is committed to uniting people of all ages and backgrounds through the game of basketball.

“My love for basketball and my country, Canada, which has given me everything I have in life, makes supporting and endorsing our Men’s and Women’s National Team programs all that more special to me,” Bhatia said.  “I have only one goal and that is to see our teams on top of the podium with gold medals around their necks, standing proudly for the world to see.”

“I am excited to begin this new chapter for the Superfan alongside my good friend Glen Grunwald, everyone at Canada Basketball operations, the players who sacrifice for our country and all the fans who are ready to cheer on our red and white,” Bhatia said.

Not only will Nav be cheering on Canada from his familiar position courtside when Canada opens exhibition play against Nigeria in Toronto (August 7, 7:00 PM ET) and Winnipeg (August 9, 7:00 PM CT) but he will also follow the team on their five-game exhibition tour to Australia and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 (Aug. 31-Sept. 15, 2019) will be the biggest edition of FIBA's flagship event with a record 32 participating teams playing 92 games over 16 days.

For the first time, the FIBA Basketball World Cup will qualify seven teams directly for the following year's Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Canada must finish either first or second in the Americas zone to earn a direct berth.

For additional information on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, visit http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019