4 Things You Need to Know About Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia
By Joey Mauceri
The Toronto Raptors just clinched first NBA title in franchise history at Oracle Arena on Thursday night. Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia, who has made a name for himself as perhaps the biggest diehard Raptor fan in all of Canada finally saw his dream come true. Here are four things you need to know about Bhatia and his story.
4. He Hasn't Missed a Game in 24 Years
Talk about dedication. Bhatia first attended a Raptors game in 1995, the year that the team was founded, and has not missed a game since. He owns season tickets that are estimated to be about $7,000 dollars in value, and he certainly gets the most out of what he pays for. Not many fans can say that they have truly been with the team since the beginning the way the Bhatia has (I'm looking at you Drake).
3. Bhatia is a Self-Made Man
Bhatia first came to the US from India in the early 1970s to get his degree, before moving back shortly after. He was forced to return to the US after anti-Sikh riots in 1984 purged him out of India. Bhatia experienced racial discrimination his entire life and was discriminated for his Sikh religion. He finally was hired as a car salesman and worked at a Hyundai dealership, and worked his tail off to become the general manager of one of the most well recognized car dealerships in Canada.
2. He's Friends with Plenty of Athletes and Celebrities
Bhatia's status as a superfan and his prestigious position as owner of one of the highest-selling car dealerships in all of Canada has certainly put him in the public eye. His fame has resulted in him making some pretty famous friends, including fellow Raptors superfan and renowned artist Aubrey "Drake" Graham. He has also been pictured with some other big names including former President Barack Obama, artist and actor Ice Cube, and NBA legend Vince Carter.
1. He is Incredibly Charitable
Nav Bhatia may be known as a superfan, but he is an incredible philanthropist as well. He uses his financial status to improve the lives of others, including immigrant children, who he spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on to send to Raptors games every year. He truly is a man of the people.