Journalist shares incredible story about Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia

The Toronto Raptors are heading to the first NBA Finals in their franchise history. And you’d be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated fan than Nav Bhatia.

Bhatia hasn’t missed a Raptors home game in the team’s entire existence. He’s been a season-ticket holder since 1995 and remains the most visible Raptors fan (aside from Drake).

But who is Nav Bhatia?

Journalist and Toronto native Muhammad Lila wanted to answer that question for NBA fans, as the Raptors are set to take the world stage for the first time. He took to Twitter on Sunday to share a touching story of how Bhatia came to love the Toronto Raptors. It was a story that spoke to what makes Toronto so special as a diverse, inclusive city.

When you think of the Raps, you probably think of Drake on the sidelines, as the team’s biggest fan.

The thing is, he’s not.

In Toronto, we love @Drake. But there’s someone else who symbolizes everything great about Toronto and Canada. pic.twitter.com/qWPCs5TRHK

— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019

He’s been at every single Raptors home game since 1995.

That' right: Every. Single. One.

Through Damon, Vince, CB4, a zillion coaches, blackouts, blizzards, you name it.

Big deal, right? Wait, there’s more. pic.twitter.com/zdjf6vf4Ck

— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019

He sold 127 cars in just ninety days. It’s a record that stands to this day. He did it the old-fashioned way, by being honest (and yes, some catchy radio ads). He was so good that he eventually bought the dealership. Crazy, right.

Guess what’s crazier? pic.twitter.com/K1so1Jagdq

— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019

If you go to a Raps game, you’ll see his big ass huge goofy smile, on the baseline.

When you’re an immigrant, nothing feels more Canadian than waving a Canadian flag while cheering your team. Sports is the great equalizer. pic.twitter.com/2S4pP1dZo8

— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019

You’ll hear a dozen languages, see black guys in dreads hanging out with Korean guys eating poutine. In other cities, that would be weird.

In Toronto, it’s perfectly normal. It’s how the 6ix rolls.

Take this pic. How many colors/ethnicities can you see? At least a dozen. pic.twitter.com/ni5zxD5SZu

— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019

That while the world is building walls, Canada is building bridges.

A guy like @superfan_nav is our best symbol of that.

He’s not just a guy from Toronto. He *is* Toronto.

A place where people work hard, make it, and still care enough to give back. pic.twitter.com/K5do9KqjgE

— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019

Basketball can be more than just a game.

When the finals tip-off on Thursday, the world is going to see Toronto being Toronto: Diverse, strong, caring.

And there’ll be a 67-year old Sikh turbaned guy leading the charge.

And you know what, we're okay with that.

END pic.twitter.com/7bPtkutTP8

— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019

Just got off the phone with Nav. I asked him what he'd tell the world about Canada, he said:

"Other counties might be richer, but they’re not richer in mannerisms, politeness, or looking after each other.. And the country south of us has a lot to learn."

— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) May 26, 2019

Stories like that are exactly what makes sports so great.

The Raptors will host the Warriors for Game 1 on Thursday. You can bet that Bhatia will be there.