Basketball —Olympics: Basketball is a sport in which two teams of five players each try to score by throwing a ball through a hoop. Points are scored by passing the ball through the basket from above. There are organized rules for basketball . In the present days, basketball involves common techniques of shooting, passing and dribbling , as well as players' positions , and offensive and defensive structures . Competitive basketball is always an indoor sport , played on a basketball court under strict regulations . On the other hand, there are other variations of basketball . These variations have been developed for casual play, which have become extremely popular as an outdoor sport among inner city groups.
Basketball in the Summer Games: Basketball had its debut in the Olympics's schedule in 1904 as a demonstration event . The sport has been played regularly in the Summer Games since 1936 . The United States won all the gold medals in men's competitions from 1936 to 1968 . Women's basketball was introduced to the Summer Games' schedule in 1976 . The United States , Soviet Union have been dominating the women's basketball competition since then.
Basketball at the 2008 Summer Games: At the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing , basketball matches are going to be held for 15 days from 9 th August to 24 th August . The finals of the basketball competition will be held on 23 rd and 24 th August . The events will be held at Wukesong Indoor Stadium in the Wukesong Sports Centre, Fengtai District . Two gold medals will be given away for the basketball event in the 2008 Summer Games .
The basketball teams from the United States, Italy, Russia and the defender Argentina are the top contenders in the men's basketball event . In the women's category, the United States , Australia and Russia will be fighting for the Olympic title. Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, Emeka Okafor, Diana Taurasi, Richard Hamilton, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Jameer Nelson, Manu Ginobili, J.R.Smith, Taylor Coppenrath, Pau Gasol, Yao Ming, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash and Tracy McGrady are top basketball players of the world who are likely to be seen during the Beijing Summer Games.
