Manisha Satyajit Dange is a highly accomplished international basketball player who has made significant contributions to Indian basketball through her outstanding performances as both a player and a coach. She represented Maharashtra in 35 National Championships and showcased exceptional dedication by playing for Central Railway for 23 years. As a core member of Indian Railways, she competed in Senior Nationals for 13 years, securing an impressive 11 Gold Medals and 2 Silver Medals, establishing herself as one of the most successful athletes in the tournament’s history. On the international stage, she proudly represented India in 7 major tournaments, including winning a Gold Medal in the 3x3 Asian Basketball Championship, demonstrating her skill at the highest level. Alongside her playing career, she pursued coaching and completed a Diploma in Sports Coaching from NIS Patiala, graduating top of her batch. Her transition to coaching has been equally remarkable—since 2017, she has been the Coach of the Indian Railways Women’s Basketball Team, leading them to five consecutive Gold Medals in Senior Nationals. In 2022, she was appointed Head Coach of India’s U16 Girls Team for the Asian Basketball Championship in Jordan, further showcasing her leadership in developing young talent. Beyond coaching and playing, she holds a world record for the longest basketball shot (22 meters in the female category), recognized by India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, LIMCA Book of Records, and multiple international record bodies. Her excellence has been acknowledged with numerous prestigious awards, including the Chhatrapati Award (2017–18), Global Women Inspiration Award (2023), and the title of India’s Leading Women International Sports Achiever (2023) by Femme Times Media, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer and inspiration in Indian sports.
