Suyash Mehta set to become first-ever Indian-origin referee to officiate in NBA

Suyash Mehta is set to become the first-ever Indian-origin official to officiate in the National Basketball Association (NBA) league.

Mehta, who has been part of G League and Summer League Games' officiating teams, was named in the officiating staff for the 2020-21 season of the league.

Sources: Suyash Mehta will become the first Indian-origin referee to officiate in the NBA this coming season. pic.twitter.com/oXlB3XVRj9

— Hoopistani (@Hoopistani) December 7, 2020

He has previously refereed in 13 games but worked under the tag of 'non-staff officials'. He was one of the six to be part of the staff for this season.

After getting several protocols for COVID-19 in place, the NBA will finally set the ball rolling on December 22 with two much-anticipated and moth-watering clashes - Golden State Warriors vs Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers vs LA Clippers.

Lakers, who are the defending champions, will start their campaigns against a team that saw a heartbreaking exit from the league in the last season in the playoffs.

NBA schedule dates:

Dec. 22: Nets-Warriors, Lakers-Clippers
Dec. 23: Celtics-Bucks, Mavericks-Suns
Dec. 25: Pelicans-Heat, Warriors-Bucks, Nets-Celtics, Mavericks-Lakers, Clippers-Nuggets

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 2, 2020

Amongst the many curbs and restrictions, the league's scheduling has also been hit. As, the authorities have announced the fixtures of the first half only, yet which commences from December 22, 2020 and will go on till March 4, 2021.

The league will resume on December 11 after a short NBA All-Star games.