Nav Bhatia recognized with honorary degree at Humber Polytechnic’s Fall 2025 Convocation

The Toronto Raptors Superfan is an icon of diversity, inclusion and resilience

By Chris Clay on
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Humber Polytechnic conferred an honorary degree on entrepreneur and philanthropist Nav Bhatia during Fall 2025 Convocation ceremonies. 

Bhatia is perhaps best known as the Raptors Superfan who hasn’t missed attending a single Toronto Raptors home game in 30 years. He also founded the Nav Bhatia Superfan Foundation to champion causes dear to his heart, from resurfacing basketball courts, bringing diversity to sport and supporting the education of young girls and women through the Daughters of India initiative. 

Bhatia came to Canada in 1984 and, as a mechanical engineer by trade, worked odd jobs to make a living but had many businesses deny him work because he was a Sikh. When he started a job as a car salesman, he was met with racism but didn’t let them stop him from becoming the top salesperson in the country. He now owns multiple Hyundai and Genesis dealerships in Rexdale and Mississauga. 

A person wearing a Toronto Raptors jersey underneath their jacket.

In 1995, Bhatia purchased two Raptors tickets and has not missed a home game since. In 1998, then Raptors General Manager Isiah Thomas called him to centre court and bestowed on him the Superfan purple and white Raptors jersey and his life changed forever. Along with experiencing a sense of belonging, he became a catalyst for a more inclusive and diverse fanbase in the sport.  

In March, Bhatia came to Humber’s Lakeshore Campus as the keynote speaker at the Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship’s Night of Excellence Best Pitch Competition where students delivered business pitches to receive feedback and prizes. 

Wearing both his Raptors NBA championship ring and the one he received after being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Bhatia told the audience that if he can succeed in this country, anyone can.  

Three people stand together on a stage. Two are holding the same honorary degree.

He also shared a few tips for success. First, continue to learn from those around you each day. Also, treat people the way you want to be treated and be willing to forgive. As well, businesses are built by strong teams, and you can’t do it alone. 

Find out more, along with a list of past recipients, by visiting the Convocation webpage.