Nearly a quarter century after joining the NBA, the Toronto Raptors are in their first ever NBA Finals. Led by Kawhi Leonard and a stout defensive supporting cast, the Raptors will take on the league's current juggernaut in the Golden State Warriors. This journey has been remarkable, with the team overcoming numerous challenges to reach this pivotal moment in their franchise history.
The road to the Finals has certainly been bumpy. The Raptors have trailed in every playoff series this year but never lost hope. Starting with a surprising loss to the Orlando Magic, they showcased resilience, highlighted by Leonard's unforgettable four-bounce buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round – a historic first for Game 7 buzzer beaters. After a rough start against the Bucks, their double overtime win in Game 3 marked the beginning of an impressive four-game winning streak, propelling them into the Finals.
While this is new ground for the franchise, one man has been cheering them on since they first came into the league. And no, we're not talking about Drake, but rather the official Raptors "Super Fan" and multi-millionaire Nav Bhatia. His unwavering support and dedication to the team have made him a beloved figure among fans and players alike.
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Bhatia's story is as inspiring as the Raptors' journey. A Sikh who fled from anti-Sikh riots in India, he settled in Canada with his family in 1984. With only a few dollars to his name and an engineering degree, he faced significant challenges in finding a job due to the discrimination he encountered because of his Sikh turban and beard. Undeterred, he persevered through approximately 300 job interviews before finally securing a position as a car salesman at a Hyundai dealership.
His determination paid off when he sold 127 cars in his first three months, setting a record that he claims still stands. Bhatia's success continued as he climbed the ranks, eventually owning multiple dealerships and becoming the most successful Indian-born car dealer in Canada. His achievements didn’t stop there; he was also the first to bring Bollywood to Canada by introducing the film Hum Saath Saath Hain to Canadian box offices in 1999, a significant milestone that paved the way for future Indian films in the country.
The Raptors Super Fan had humble beginnings: "When the Raptors came in '95, I bought two tickets because I could only afford two," he once shared. "Now I have 10 seats — six courtside and four platinum seats, and once a year I buy thousands of kids' tickets to the game." His yearly expenditure on Raptors tickets exceeds $300,000, with many of those tickets going to underprivileged fans.
Bhatia's commitment extends beyond basketball; he is passionate about integrating Sikhs into Canadian culture. Having experienced discrimination throughout his life, he is dedicated to ensuring that others from the Sikh community do not face the same challenges. It’s no surprise that Bhatia and the Raptors resonate so well together — both have faced adversity and emerged stronger, creating joy for their supporters. As the Raptors strive for their first-ever championship, expect to see plenty of shots of Bhatia, a true embodiment of the team's spirit.
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