Ekalavyas

Asian Games 2026: Indian basketball teams fail to qualify

Leandra Monteiro — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:13:15 GMT

India does not have a single basketball team competing in the 5v5 or 3x3 categories at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

While the official dates for the 20th Asian Games are September 19 to October 4, basketball action has already tipped off. The men’s 5v5 competition began on September 10 and will run until the 26th; the women’s 5v5 tournament is slated from September 17–26, and the 3x3 events are from September 21–25.

Selection Criteria

(Image Credit: FIBA.Basketball)

In September 2025, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) announced eligibility guidelines for team sports at major multi-sport events, stating they must be placed “top 8 among Asian countries in international rankings” to be considered for participation.

When the basketball fixtures for the Asian Games were announced on August 7, the Indian men’s 5v5 team was ranked 13th in Asia, while the women were 12th.

In the 3x3 category, India’s men’s national federation ranking stood at 33rd, and the women came in at 35th.

Asian Games Rules vs India’s Eligibility Guidelines

The Olympic Council of Asia’s Games Manual & Guidelines simply state that participation is linked to a country’s membership of the OCA and compliance with the participation requirements.

The OCA guidelines do not prescribe any ranking-based threshold, whether for team or individual sports.

India, however, has adopted a higher ‘top 8 in Asia’ standard for approving teams’ entry at major international multi-sport events such as the Asian Games.

Exceptions allowed in justifiable cases

The Sports Ministry’s policy states that it may not approve nominations recommended by National Sports Federations when participation is viewed as being solely for exposure or participation rather than sporting excellence.

The policy allows exceptions when sports experts recommend participation for justifiable reasons. But no such exception was granted to India’s basketball teams for the 2026 Asian Games.

That said, it is worth noting that the men’s 3x3 national team was granted an exception to participate in the 2026 Asian Beach Games, held in Sanya, China, in April this year. After winning all three of their group games, they bowed out in the quarterfinals, losing to the Philippines.

Second Major Event Missed

(Image Credit: FIBA.Basketball)

Indian basketball teams’ Asian Games absence comes weeks after also failing to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The inability to secure participation in relatively smaller-scale international competitions like the CWG and Asian Games in 2026, gains added significance considering India Basketball’s stated ambition of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics, less than two years away.

According to BFI president Aadhav Arjuna, the country is looking to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the 3x3 category, and in both 5v5 and 3x3 at the 2032 Olympics.

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7’3” Railway Coolie spotted in Bengaluru

Team Ekalavyas — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:50:18 GMT

While travelling for a basketball tournament, the Ekalavyas team spotted a 7’3’’ giant towering head and shoulders above everyone else at the busy Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bengaluru City Railway Station.

Who is he?

Youth Nationals to Railway Coolie

Kumar played basketball in North India for two years before returning to his job as a Railway coolie in Bengaluru.

We learnt that this person’s name is Kumar, and that he once played competitive basketball, representing Uttar Pradesh at the Youth National Basketball Championship in the early 2000s.

Ekalavyas audience responds

Following Ekalavyas’ Instagram post, former Kerala international player Eudrick Pereira identified Kumar and said he had even played against him.

Pereira wrote, “I know Kumar and have actually played against him. He represented UP in the U16 Youth Nationals in 2004 at Gotan, Rajasthan, my first National Championship appearance. Even then, he was a 7-foot monster and incredibly well-built. He was working as a coolie at that time too.”

Another person commented about Kumar’s time in Uttar Pradesh.

According to Bangalore Mirror, Kumar has worked for decades at KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station and wears Badge No. 230, which was previously worn by his father, who was also a porter at the same station.

After playing for two years, Kumar is believed to have eventually returned home after the death of his brother.

Today, decades later, Kumar remains a railway porter at the same station where he was once discovered.

Let talent not get lost at the wayside!

Know someone super tall?

Tall People Project

While Kumar seems content with his career, the encounter was a reminder of how much untapped physical potential exists across India.

If you know someone exceptionally tall who could potentially have a future in basketball, we want to hear from you.

Help us find India’s hidden giants. Fill out our form below and tell us more about them.

Know a very tall person?

ONGC Announces Nine Scholarships for Male Basketball Players

Team Ekalavyas — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:45:29 GMT

Indian basketball players have a new opportunity to secure institutional support, with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) announcing a nationwide Sports Scholarship Scheme.

A total of 125 scholarships are up for grabs across 19 sporting disciplines, including basketball, football, hockey, cricket, chess, golf, and more.

For basketball specifically, ONGC has listed nine scholarships exclusively for men, across playing positions: Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward, and Center.

Who can apply?

🏀 Tryouts & Scholarships

The scholarship is open to Indian citizens between the ages of 18 and 30. Players born between September 1, 1996, and September 1, 2008, are eligible to apply.

Applicants must also meet the following criteria:

The annual income of the player’s parents must not exceed ₹30 lakh.
The player should not currently be employed.
The player should not already be receiving a scholarship, stipend, or contract from a Central or State Government, Public Sector Enterprise, foundation, or private organization.
Participants from the most recent Olympic Games and Asian Games will also be considered.

The scholarship will initially be awarded for one year and can be extended annually for up to three years based on the athlete’s performance.

Basketball Scholarship Selection

(Stock Image: Photo by Sagar Kulkarni on Unsplash)

🏀 Tryouts & Scholarships

For team sports such as basketball, selection will be based on a combination of sporting achievements and selection trials.

ONGC will evaluate players using a performance-based scoring matrix covering achievements at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, international tournaments, Senior National Championships, Federation Cups, National Games, and other recognized competitions.

Scheme Details, Term & Conditions 2026 27 (podium Aspirants Category) For Portal

393KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Only one of the athlete’s best performances or achievements will be considered for evaluation.

The final selection will be made through game trials that will be conducted in Delhi/NCR or at another venue decided by ONGC’s Corporate Sports Division.

In case two applicants finish at the same level on the evaluation criteria, preference will be given to the older athlete. If a tie still remains, the decision of the selection committee will be final.

How to apply

Application Window is from 8th September 2026 to 29th September 2026 4 p.m.

Applications will be accepted only online through ONGC’s official Sports Scholarship portal.

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Rain-mopping device that dries basketball courts in just 5 minutes

Team Ekalavyas — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:16:20 GMT

With the monsoon in full swing, keeping outdoor sports courts and grounds dry can be a major challenge. Water can quickly collect on playing surfaces after heavy rain, often leaving players and ground staff either waiting for hours before play can resume or struggling to dry the surface.

Looking to make that process faster and easier, Sahyadri Sports, an equipment manufacturer from Pune, has developed an innovative rain-mopping device designed specifically to help remove excess water from multiple surfaces.

Unlike conventional mops that can be cumbersome to use over large areas, this device is designed to quickly collect and efficiently push accumulated water.

According to the manufacturer, the device can help remove rainwater from playing surfaces and other areas, such as hospital and school corridors, in minutes, depending on the amount of water and the size of the area.

With monsoon conditions frequently disrupting basketball games and training, a simple innovation like this could help ground staff and players get courts ready for play much faster.

Want to buy one?

India's U18 Asia Cup Run Ends With 83-66 Defeat To Iran

Team Ekalavyas — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:31:20 GMT

India’s FIBA U18 Asia Cup campaign came to an end with an 83-66 loss to the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals game at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad on August 20.

Iran established control early, taking a 21-16 lead after the opening quarter. They extended their advantage in the second, outscoring India 26-17 to make the scoreline 47-33 heading into halftime.

Captain Piyush Choudhary led India with 19 points against Iran. (All images credit: FIBA Basketball)

The Iranian side continued to widen the gap in the third quarter, and entered the final quarter with a 70-46 advantage.

The Young Cagers produced their best period of the game in the fourth, outscoring Iran 20-13. However, the late surge was not enough to overturn the deficit as the Middle Eastern country secured a 17-point victory.

Shooting Struggles

India's 25% three-point shooting hurts their comeback hopes against Iran.

India struggled to find their rhythm offensively, converting 32% from the field. Their three-point shooting was particularly difficult, with India converting just 10-of-40 attempts from beyond the arc.

The turnover battle was once again costly, with the home side committing 13 turnovers with Iran converting them into nine points.

A positive for the hosts was Piyush Choudhary’s 19 points. He shot 8-of-20 from the field, including 5-of-9 from two-point range, while also contributing seven rebounds and five assists.

The Campaign Ends

A 20-point fourth quarter wasn't enough as India bow out in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals game.

The defeat brings the Indian boys FIBA U18 Asia Cup campaign to an end. After losses to Japan and South Korea in Group D, India defeated Kazakhstan to finish third in the group and advance to the Qualification to Quarter-Finals stage.

However, Iran’s dominant performance proved decisive as they advanced to the quarter-finals.

Iran (MohammadYashar KamalKhaledi 23pts & 4reb, Soheyl Soleyman Nezhad 14pts & 6ast, Mohammad Shamsi Anbouhi 11pts & 8reb) bt India (Piyush Choudhary 19pts & 7reb & 5ast, Aakash Iyappan 14pts, Arman 12pts & 5reb) 83-66 [21-16, 26-17, 23-13, 13-20]

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India Beat Kazakhstan 82-61 to keep FIBA U18 Asia Cup campaign alive

Team Ekalavyas — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:35:44 GMT

India entered their final group-stage game at the Veer Savarkar Stadium in Ahmedabad with their knockout hopes on the line. They built their advantage, quarter by quarter, against Kazakhstan to close out the group stage with a much-needed victory.

A Tight Start

India are through to the Qualification to Quarter-Finals round, keeping their U18 Asia Cup campaign alive. (All Images credit: FIBA Basketball)

Kazakhstan matched India early in the game, with the hosts taking a narrow 22-21 lead after the opening quarter.

India then began to pull away in the second period, outscoring Kazakhstan 23-15 to take a 45-36 advantage into halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive. The home side tightened up defensively while continuing to attack the basket effectively, winning the period 20-11 and taking a 65-47 lead into the final quarter, where they remained composed to close out an 82-61 victory.

India Dominate the Paint

Piyush Choudhary led India’s charge with a game-high 25 points.

The Indian team’s biggest advantage came inside the paint, where they scored 50 points compared to Kazakhstan’s 26. The hosts also dominated the battle for second-chance opportunities, scoring 23 second-chance points.

India converted Kazakhstan’s turnovers into 24 points and added 18 fast-break points, reflecting the impact of their defensive pressure. The Young Cagers finished with 56 rebounds, including 23 offensive boards.

Piyush Choudhary was India’s leading scorer, producing a game-high 25 points.

Knockout Stage

India bounced back after losses to Japan and Korea with an 82-61 win over Kazakhstan.

The victory sees India finish third in Group D, behind Japan and Korea, after a 1/2 record.

With the group stage now complete, India moves into the knockout phase and will face Iran in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals game on August 20.

The game represents India’s next opportunity to reach the quarter-finals and continue their campaign on home soil.

The last time the men’s U18 team progressed beyond the group stage was in 2024, when they reached the quarter-finals in Jordan. They secured their place in the last eight after edging Lebanon 64-62 in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals game.

Shekhar Rathee orchestrated India's offence with 11 assists.

However, India’s run ended in the quarter-finals against eventual bronze medallists China, who dominated the contest, winning 89-43.

Two years on, India once again find themselves one win away from the quarter-finals. This time, with Iran standing between them and a place in the last eight.

After a difficult start to the tournament, India’s victory over Kazakhstan gives them momentum heading into the August 20 knockout clash and a chance to better their 2024 run.

India (Piyush Choudhary 25pts & 8reb & 4ast, Ansh Tomer 17pts & 13reb, Shekhar Rathee 8pts & 11ast & 7stl) bt Kazakhstan (Sayan Mamutov 24pts & 7reb, Adil Sultanov 9pts, Sanzhar Aubakirov 8pts & 5reb) 82-61 [22-21, 23-15, 20-11, 17-14]

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FIBA U18 Asia Cup: India fall 90-61 to South Korea

Team Ekalavyas — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:01:10 GMT

After opening their campaign with a loss to Japan, India were once again defeated at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, going down 90-61 to South Korea at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, August 16.

Korea came out strongly, taking a 29-14 lead after the opening quarter. India struggled to keep pace as the visitors added another 25 points in the second quarter, taking a 54-31 advantage into halftime.

The Young Cagers did attempt to fight back, winning the fourth quarter 15-14, but the deficit had already put the game beyond their reach.

India Struggle With Turnovers

Korea’s Jihoo Eom led the way with 17 points. (All Images credit: FIBA Basketball)

India shot 38% from the field and 6-of-18 from beyond the arc. Their free-throw shooting was relatively efficient at 13-of-19. However, turnovers proved costly once again, with India committing 27 turnovers, which Korea capitalized on, scoring 34 points.

India did have a 42-36 advantage in total rebounds, helped by 35 defensive boards, but could not convert that advantage into enough scoring opportunities.

Arman leads India’s scoring

India’s Ansh Tomar in action against South Korea at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup

Arman was India’s standout offensive performer, finishing with a team-high 25 points, with an impressive 5-of-6 from three-point range. Ansh Tomer contributed defensively with nine rebounds and even scored 14 points.

The defeat leaves the host with a 0-2 record in Group D after an opening loss to Japan and now South Korea.

India will next face Kazakhstan in their final Group D assignment on August 18 at 19:30 IST.

South Korea (Jihoo Eom 17pts & 6ast, Jihoon Yoon 14pts & 9ast & 6reb, Daehyeon Kweon 12pts 3reb) bt India (Arman 25pts, Ansh Tomer 14pts & 9reb, Shekhar Rathee 8pts & 7ast & 3reb) 90-61 [29-14, 25-17, 22-15, 14-15]

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Japan beat India 91-56 in FIBA U18 Asia Cup opener

Team Ekalavyas — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 04:08:48 GMT

India opened their FIBA U18 Asia Cup campaign with a 91-56 loss to Japan at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, August 14.

India, competing in Group D alongside Japan, South Korea, and Kazakhstan, started strong and finished the first quarter trailing by just six points, 19-13. Japan then stretched its advantage in the second quarter, taking a 42-28 lead into halftime.

Shekhar Rathee leads India

Shekhar Rathee led India with 16 points against Japan. (All image credit: FIBA Basketball)

Shekhar Rathee led India’s scoring with 16 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the field and making all four of his free throws. He also contributed nine rebounds and six assists.

Aakash Iyappan added another 12 points, including two three-pointers, while Ansh Tomer and Abhyupang Mishra scored eight points each. Piyush Choudhary finished with six points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

Japan dominate

Kenichiro Benedict finished with a game-high 20 points for Japan.

India struggled to find their rhythm from outside, shooting just 2-of-12 from three-point range (16.7%), whereas Japan converted 15 from beyond the arc.

Turnovers further hurt India’s chances, with the team committing 22 compared to Japan’s seven. The East Asian also held a 52-41 advantage on the boards, including 25 offensive rebounds to India’s 11.

After halftime, Japan continued to pull away, with India scoring just 14 points in each of the third and fourth quarters compared to the Japanese side's 26 and 23, respectively. They closed out the game with a 35-point victory, while the Young Cagers began their campaign with a loss.

Next up: South Korea

Indian players regroup and take on South Korea next on August 16.

India will look to bounce back in their second Group D game when they face South Korea on August 16 at 19:30 IST.

Japan (Kenichiro Benedict 20pts, Eishin Konno 16pts & 9reb, Cayman Tsuneoka 13pts & 15reb) bt India (Shekhar Rathee 16pts & 9reb & 6ast, Aakash Iyappan 12pts, Ansh Tomer 8pts & 6reb) 91-56 [19-13, 23-15, 26-14, 23-14]

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India Women 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball Team Debuting in Commonwealth Games

Team Ekalavyas — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:06:16 GMT

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, with the opening ceremony on July 23, and competitions running from July 24 to 29. Among the sports on the program is women’s 3x3 wheelchair basketball, where India will make its maiden appearance.

Image credit: SAI Facebook

The four-member Indian squad comprises Reena Gupta, Irengbam Ritu Chanu, Minakshi Harichandra Jadhav and Laxmi Rayappa Rayannavar.

The quartet booked its place in the Games through the Asia-Oceania qualification pathway, alongside Australia, securing one of the region’s two available spots and marking a landmark milestone for wheelchair basketball in the country.

While 3x3 is part of the Glasgow 2026 program, the traditional 5v5 format is not. However, India does not have a men’s or women’s team competing in 3x3. The country’s only basketball representation at the Games will be in the women’s 3x3 wheelchair category.

India’s Fixtures

Photo by Abhay siby Mathew on Unsplash

The Indian women have been drawn in Pool B, where they will face Wales, Scotland, and Nigeria in the group stage.

July 25 - Wales vs India: Morning Session 10:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. local time (14:30 p.m. to 18:00 p.m. IST)
July 26 - India vs Scotland: Evening Session 17:00 and 21:15 p.m. local time (21:30 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. IST)
July 27- India vs Nigeria Evening Session 17:00 p.m. to 21:15 p.m. local time (21:30 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. IST)

The knockout stages, including the semifinals and medal matches, will be played on July 28 and 29.

Where to Watch

Fans in India can watch all the action from the Commonwealth Games, including the 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball tournament, live on Sony LIV with a paid subscription.

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CBSE Games 2026-27: Basketball Calendar

Team Ekalavyas — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:57:50 GMT

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the sports calendar for 2026-27, providing schools across the country with a roadmap for this year’s inter-school basketball competitions.

The basketball season will begin with Cluster-level competitions in July, followed by the National Basketball Championship scheduled to take place in October 2026.

Schools will compete across the Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 age categories for both boys and girls, subject to their respective cluster formats.

Complete basketball schedule

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Cluster I: Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram & Tripura

Venue: Miles Bronson Residential School, Guwahati, Assam
Date: 7–9 Aug 2026

Cluster II: Odisha, West Bengal & Chhattisgarh

Venue: Burnpur River Side School, Burnpur, West Bengal
Date: 23–26 Jul 2026

Cluster III: Bihar & Jharkhand

Venue: Narain World School, Rohtas, Bihar
Date: 24–28 Jul 2026

Cluster IV: Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow Region)

Girls
Venue: Rediyent Public School, Lucknow
Date: 21–25 Jul 2026

Boys
Venue: St. Pathik Vidyalaya, Bahraich
Date: 5–8 Aug 2026

Cluster V: Uttar Pradesh (Prayagraj Region)

Girls
Venue: Sanskar International School, Prayagraj
Date: 17–22 Jul 2026

Boys
Venue: ML Public School, Varanasi
Date: 6–9 Aug 2026

Cluster VI: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Andaman & Nicobar

Venue: Shrishti Vidyashram, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Date: 25–29 Aug 2026

Cluster VII: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

Girls
Venue: Akshara Vidyalaya, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
Date: 29–31 Aug 2026

Boys
Venue: Excellencia Infinitum School, Hyderabad, Telangana
Date: 28–30 Aug 2026

Cluster VIII: Karnataka

Venue: The Amaatra Academy, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Date: 28 Jul–2 Aug 2026

Cluster IX: Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu & Dadra & Nagar Haveli

Venue: Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Date: 22–25 Aug 2026

Cluster X: North Kerala

Venue: Marygiri English Medium School, Kannur, Kerala
Date: 7–9 Aug 2026

Cluster XI: South Kerala & Lakshadweep

Venue: St. Kuriakose Public School, Kottayam, Kerala
Date: 5–8 Aug 2026

Cluster XII: Madhya Pradesh

Girls
Venue: LNCT World School, Bhopal
Date: 30 Jul–2 Aug 2026

Boys
Venue: Golden International School, Indore
Date: 3–6 Sep 2026

Cluster XIII: Gujarat

Girls
Venue: Navrachana Higher Secondary School, Vadodara
Date: 22–25 Aug 2026

Boys
Venue: Gujarat Public School, Vadodara
Date: 24–27 Jul 2026

Cluster XIV: Rajasthan

Girls
Venue: Mayoor School, Sri Ganganagar
Date: 15–19 Aug 2026

Boys
Venue: Vidyasthali Public School, Jaipur
Date: 17–20 Jul 2026

Cluster XV: Haryana (Gurugram Region)

Girls
Venue: GV International High School, Jhajjar
Date: 2–5 Aug 2026

Boys
Venue: Sir Chhotu Ram Modern Senior Secondary School, Sonipat
Date: 27–30 Aug 2026

Cluster XVI: Haryana (Panchkula Region) & Himachal Pradesh

Girls
Venue: Spring Dale Convent School, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Date: 29 Jul–1 Aug 2026

Boys
Venue: Pinegrove School, Dharampur, Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Date: 6–10 Aug 2026

Cluster XVII: Punjab (Patiala Region)

Girls
Venue: St. Xavier’s School, Bathinda
Date: 20–23 Jul 2026

Boys
Venue: Guru Nanak Dev Public School, Bathinda
Date: 15–18 Jul 2026

Cluster XVIII: Punjab (Ludhiana Region) & Jammu & Kashmir

Girls
Venue: Montessori Cambridge School, Pathankot, Punjab
Date: 21–23 Jul 2026

Boys
Venue: Montessori Cambridge School, Pathankot, Punjab
Date: 24–26 Jul 2026

Cluster XIX: Noida & Dehradun Region

Girls
Venue: DAV Public School, Sahibabad, Uttar Pradesh
Date: 5–8 Aug 2026

Boys
Venue: Divya Public School, Shamli, Uttar Pradesh
Date: 16–19 Aug 2026

Cluster XX: Delhi

Girls
Venue: Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Date: 21–24 Jul 2026

Boys
Venue: The Mann School, Delhi
Date: 27–31 Jul 2026

National Level

The winners from the Cluster Championships will qualify for the National Championship.

The Girls National Championship will be held in Narain World School, Jamuhar, Rohtas, Bihar, from 20–26 Sep 2026, while the Boys National Championship will be held at St. Xavier’s School, Model Town, Bathinda, Punjab, from 29 Sep–October 6, 2026.

CBSE has stated that the sports calendar is subject to change. Schools and participants are advised to regularly check the CBSE Sports Portal and confirm schedules with the host schools before making travel or accommodation arrangements.

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FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup: India Lose to Kazakhstan in the Semi-finals

Team Ekalavyas — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:52:09 GMT

India’s hopes of returning to Division A came to a disappointing end as they suffered a 60-36 defeat to Kazakhstan in the semifinals of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Division B in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, July 18.

Despite entering the knockout clash unbeaten after topping Group A with convincing wins over Thailand, Oman, and Indonesia, India were unable to overcome a disciplined Kazakhstan side that controlled the game from the opening quarter to book their place in the final.

The result also means India will remain in Division B, with only the tournament champions earning promotion to Division A.

Kazakhstan Take Early Control

India will now turn their attention to the bronze medal game after falling to Kazakhstan 60-36. (All images credit: Fiba.basketball)

India stayed within touching distance during the opening half but struggled to generate consistent offense against Kazakhstan’s aggressive defense.

They grabbed five offensive rebounds in the first quarter while preventing India from securing any, converting those opportunities into six second-chance points. Their ability to push the pace also paid dividends, scoring nine fast-break points compared to India’s none.

Kazakhstan edged the first quarter 15-10 before extending their advantage to 25-16 at halftime.

Any hopes of a comeback were effectively dashed in the third quarter as Kazakhstan produced a decisive 21-11 run, stretching the lead to 46-27 heading into the final period. India were unable to close the gap in the fourth as Kazakhstan completed a comfortable 60-36 victory.

India Struggles Offensively

Nethra Birudavolu searches for an opening against a disciplined Kazakhstan defense.

India endured their toughest offensive outing of the tournament, shooting just 26.4% (14-of-53) from the field. Their perimeter shooting also deserted them, making only 1 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc (8.3%) compared to Kazakhstan’s six threes.

The Indian side committed 33 turnovers, which the Central Asian capitalized on throughout the contest.

Promotion dream ends

India’s Division A promotion hopes came to an end in the semifinals.

The defeat ends India’s quest for promotion back to Division A, with Kazakhstan advancing to the Division B final and remaining in contention for the lone promotion spot.

The South Asian country will now shift its focus to the third-place playoff, where it will look to finish its campaign on a positive note after an otherwise impressive tournament that saw it top Group A with three convincing victories.

Kazakhstan (Kaussar Ybray 18pts & 8stl & 5reb, Yerlan Shakhida 15pts & 3reb, Milana Krutevich 9pts & 9reb) bt India (Mahek Sharma 9pts & 6reb, Aditi Subramanian 7pts & 6reb & 3stl, Taarushee Tarun 4pts & 14reb) 60-36 [15-10, 10-6, 21-11, 14-9]

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India Storm into FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B Semi-finals with Win Over Indonesia

Team Ekalavyas — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:20:14 GMT

Thailand, July 15, 2026: India produced one of their most impressive performances of the tournament at the Nimibutr Stadium in Thailand, defeating higher-ranked Indonesia 79-46 to finish unbeaten in the group stage and secure direct qualification to the semifinals of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B.

After crushing Oman and Thailand in their opening two games, India saved their best display for last, outscoring Indonesia in every quarter on the way to a commanding 33-point victory.

Early Control

Vaishnavi Pardeshi orchestrated India's offence with 11 points and a game-high nine assists. (All Images credit: Fiba.Basketball)

After going 0-9 in the opening minutes, Indonesia attempted to fight back, but India closed the first quarter with a 22-18 advantage before tightening the screws defensively.

Any hopes of an Indonesian comeback disappeared after the break. India produced an explosive third and fourth quarter outscoring Indonesia 46-20 to seal the comprehensive victory.

Balanced Scoring

Mahek Sharma scored 15 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds.

India had four players score in double figures in a complete team performance.

Viha Reddy Jonnalagadda led the scoring with 15 points while also pulling down eight rebounds and converting 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Mahek Sharma was outstanding, matching Viha’s 15 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds.

Taarushee Tarun added 14 points, while Vaishnavi Prashant Pardeshi flirted with a double-double, contributing 11 points and a game-high nine assists to orchestrate India’s offence.

Nethra Birudavolu controlled the tempo with seven points and six assists.

India showcased excellent ball movement throughout the contest, finishing with 25 assists on 32 made field goals. The team also controlled the glass with a 50-20 rebounding advantage, including 13 offensive rebounds that created numerous second-chance opportunities.

Defensively, India forced difficult shots throughout the game while limiting Indonesia to just 46 points, including only 20 points in the second half.

Straight into the Semifinals

Taarushee Tarun, seen here defending, added 14 crucial points as India remained unbeaten in the group stage

The victory ensures the Indian girls finish as Group A winners, earning direct passage to the semifinals and avoiding the qualification crossover round.

Having returned to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup after missing the 2024 Division B edition, the team has now completed a perfect group-stage campaign and moved one step closer to earning promotion back to Division A.

India ( Viha Reddy 15pts & 8reb, Mahek Sharma 15pts & 7reb, Vaishnavi Pardeshi 11pts & 9ast & 4reb) bt Indonesia (Ariqa Shafa Chayyara 9pts & 6reb, Joanne Giovanni 10pts, I Gusti Ayu Krisabella 5pts) 79-46 [22-18, 11-8, 19-9, 27-11]

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FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup: India Storm Past Oman with 82 Point Victory

Team Ekalavyas — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:32:56 GMT

Thailand, July 14, 2026: India continued their dominant run at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B with a commanding 99-17 victory over Oman at the Nimibutr Stadium in Thailand.

After a convincing win over hosts Thailand, the Indian team produced another one-sided performance, racing to a 28-5 lead after the opening quarter before extending the advantage to 59-10 at halftime.

Oman struggled to cope with India’s relentless full-court pressure and managed just two points in the third period as the South Asian side cruised to an 82-point victory.

Taarushee Tarun led all scorers and racked up 25 points. (Credit: FIBA.Basketball)

Taarushee Tarun led all scorers with a 25-point outing, converting 11 of her 18 field-goal attempts while also grabbing five rebounds. Sadhana dominated the paint with a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds, while adding six blocks to anchor India’s defence.

Mahek Sharma and Angelina Arun George chipped in with 12 points each.

India’s teamwork was evident throughout the contest. The team registered 31 assists on 43 made field goals, outrebounded Oman by a staggering 70-9 margin, forced 30 steals, and recorded 10 blocks in a complete all-around performance.

India’s Sadhana dominated the paint with a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds. (Credit: FIBA.Basketball)

The defensive intensity set the tone from the opening tip. India consistently converted turnovers into easy transition baskets and dominated the offensive glass, collecting 34 offensive rebounds to earn multiple second-chance opportunities.

Although India’s outside shooting was modest, making five three-pointers, they were highly effective inside the arc, knocking down 38 two-point field goals at over 53 percent. The balanced attack also saw every player contribute, with six Indian players scoring five or more points.

India (Taarushee Tarun 25pts & 5reb, Mahek Sharma 12pts & 7reb, Sadhana 12pts & 14reb ) bt Oman (Alissar Al Taee 3pts, Noor Ahmed Said Mohammed Al Kharusi 3pts, Lamar Al Said 3pts) 99-17 [28-5, 31-5, 19-2, 21-5]

Upcoming Game

India next takes on Indonesia in Bangkok on July 15 at 14:30 p.m. IST.

Where to Watch

Watch all the games live for free on FIBA’s YouTube channel

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India Open FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup Division B Campaign with 106-62 Win Over Thailand

Team Ekalavyas — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:12:17 GMT

Thailand, July 13, 2026: India made a statement in their opening game of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Division B, cruising to a 106-62 victory over hosts Thailand at Bangkok’s Nimibutr Stadium to begin their campaign in emphatic fashion.

After a closely contested opening few minutes, India took control to lead 26-14 at the end of the first quarter. The advantage grew to 56-26 by halftime before India put the game beyond doubt with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Thailand 28-4.

Although Thailand tried to fight back and claimed the final period 32-22, the result was never in doubt.

The South Asian side shot an impressive 57% from the field, including 63% from inside the arc, while dishing out 29 assists on 40 made baskets. The team also forced 36 turnovers and collected 26 steals.

Captain Viha Redddy led from the front with 17 points and 5 steals. (Image credit: FIBA.Basketball)

Captain Viha Reddy Jonnalagadda led the scoring with 17 points, while adding four assists and five steals in just over 21 minutes.

Nethra Birudavolu starred as the chief playmaker, finishing with 15 points, eight assists, and seven steals, while Aditi Subramanian also scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

India’s balanced attack saw six players score in double figures. Vaishnavi Prashant Pardeshi was perfect from the field, securing 11 points after scoring every shot she attempted.

Tarannum Begum contributed 10 points, and Mahek Sharma added another nine. Every Indian player who took the court got on the scoresheet.

Aditi Subramanian and Vaishnavi Pardeshi both scored in double digits to carry India to a 44-point victory. (Image credit: FIBA.Basketball)

The contest was defined by India’s relentless pressure. They led for 37 minutes and 18 seconds, built a 56-point maximum advantage, and produced a game-changing 21-0 scoring run that completely swung the momentum in their favour.

Thailand led for just 2 minutes and 18 seconds in the opening stages before India took control for good.

The convincing victory gives India a perfect start to their FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B campaign as they look to challenge for promotion back to Division A.

Upcoming Game

India next takes on Oman in Bangkok on July 14 at 14:30 p.m. IST.

Where to Watch

Watch all the games live for free on FIBA’s YouTube channel

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Mumbai Basketball: Olympia Sportz launches new U13 development league

Team Ekalavyas — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:55:12 GMT

Mumbai’s youth basketball ecosystem is set to receive a boost with the launch of Season 1 of the Basketball Development League (BDL) Mumbai Edition. This initiative by Olympia Sportz aims to nurture budding talent and create a structured platform for player development.

It is scheduled to take place from August 22 to 30, 2026, and will be hosted at the Indoor Basketball Court, VIBGYOR High School, Borivali West, Mumbai.

League Details

The league is designed exclusively for the Under-13 age group and will feature both boys’ and girls’ divisions, with six teams in each. The tournament will also offer a total prize pool of about ₹1.68 lakh.

BDL is being conducted under the affiliation of the North Mumbai District Basketball Association (NMDBA) and the Maharashtra State Basketball Association (MSBA), providing a credible pathway for athletes.

Player registration details will be announced soon.

Team Ownership

Alongside player participation, Olympia Sportz has also opened team ownership and sponsorship opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and basketball supporters looking to contribute to grassroots development.

With only a limited number of ownership and sponsorship slots available, interested organisations are encouraged to register their interest at the earliest.

Ownership & sponsorship inquiries: +91 98842 47416

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Mumbai selection trials for Singapore's Asia Pacific Basketball Cup

Team Ekalavyas — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:23:06 GMT

Young basketball players in Mumbai will soon have the chance to take a significant step toward international competition as SportX conducts its selection trials for the 15th Asia Pacific Basketball Cup 2026 later this month.

The trials aim to identify talented players across multiple age groups who could earn an opportunity to compete on the international stage while also receiving professional evaluation and exposure.

Selection Trials

The selection trials will take place on July 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Bombay YMCA International House, South Mumbai.

Age Categories

The trials are open to boys and girls across four age groups:

U12: Born in 2014 or later
U14: Born in 2012 or later
U16: Born in 2010 or later
U18: Born in 2008 or later

International Exposure

SportX India teams at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cup

The selected athletes will have the opportunity to compete against teams from across the Asia-Pacific region, providing exposure to different styles of play and a higher level of competition.

In addition, selected participants will undergo evaluations by experienced coaches, helping them understand their strengths and areas for development.

Players can expect:

International tournament opportunities
Professional coaching evaluation
Global basketball exposure
A pathway towards FIBA certification

Registration Details

SportX India teams at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cup

Players interested in participating must complete their registration before the given date. The trials will be held at Bombay YMCA International House in South Mumbai, on July 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Each player has to pay a registration fee of ₹500.

For further information, interested participants can contact +91 9833361701 or scan the QR code in the official trial poster.

With limited seats available, aspiring young basketball players and their parents are encouraged to register as early as possible.

FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup: India Sets Sights on Promotion to Division A

Leandra Monteiro — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:32:03 GMT

India’s U18 girls’ basketball team gears up for another continental challenge after securing qualification for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 Division B. The tournament will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 13-19, where India will aim to return to Division A.

India once again stamped its authority at the South Asian level with an unbeaten run at the SABA tournament, where the team won all four of its games to secure the title. The trophy ensured that the Indian girls earned the sub-zone’s lone berth in the Division B competition.

India drawn in Group A

India is now placed in Group A alongside Indonesia, Thailand, and Oman. The group stage will be played from July 13 to July 15, with each team playing three round-robin matches.

Following the group phase, the top two teams from Groups A and B will advance directly to the semi-finals. Teams finishing second and third will head to the Qualification rounds to fight for the remaining two semi-final spots. The bottom-placed teams will play for classification spots.

Promotion the ultimate prize

The winners of Division B will earn promotion to Division A for the next edition of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup, giving them the opportunity to compete against Asia’s elite junior women’s basketball nations.

For India, the tournament is a crucial chance to continue their South Asian dominance on a bigger stage and with more challenging opponents.

The tournament also marks India’s return to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup after missing the 2024 Division B edition. The team last competed in Division A in 2022, where they finished last and were relegated.

India’s Group Stage Fixtures

India vs Thailand, July 13 - 5:00 p.m.
Oman vs India, July 14 - 2:30 p.m.
Indonesia vs India, July 15 - 2:30 p.m.

Where to Watch?

Watch all the games live for free on FIBA’s YouTube channel

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Four U14 BLK Talents Head to Taiwan on a Fully Funded Training & International Exposure Program

Team Ekalavyas — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:38:55 GMT

Kochi, July 8, 2026: Basketball League Kerala (BLK) has marked another significant milestone in its vision of creating international pathways for young basketball talent with the launch of BLK Global Passport. The initiative transforms outstanding performances in BLK into global learning and exposure opportunities.

Four promising U14 players who distinguished themselves during BLK Season 1 departed from Kochi on July 7 to participate in a fully funded one-month High Performance Training and International Exposure Program in Taiwan, followed by international match exposure opportunities.

The pioneering initiative has been organised by Starting Five Sports Management Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with Chung Hua Girls Junior High School and Chuangwei Boys Junior High School, both located in Yilan County, Taiwan, along with Ekalavyas Consultancy. This marks the first international player development program to emerge directly from BLK Season 1.

The Selected Players

Neha Vinish – Trivandrum Capitals (accompanied by her mother)
Arz Shaji – Thrissur Tuskers (accompanied by his mother)
Devarsh Vinod – Calicut Warriors (accompanied by his elder brother)
Alena Alphonsa – Trivandrum Capitals (accompanied by her mother)

The scholarship covers the complete cost of the program, including international travel, accommodation, training, local logistics, and exposure games, making it a unique opportunity for these young athletes and their families.

The players will undergo intensive basketball training under experienced Taiwanese coaches, interact with other young players, experience a different basketball culture, and participate in competitive tournaments.

Beyond basketball, the program is designed to broaden their perspectives through cultural exchange, discipline, and international learning experiences.

Anil Kumar, Mentor and Co-Founder of Starting Five Sports Management, said:

“BLK was never conceived as just another basketball league. Our vision has always been to build meaningful pathways for young players. BLK Global Passport is the first major outcome of that vision. We want every young player in Kerala to know that outstanding performances on the court can create opportunities beyond borders. This is just the beginning of many such international pathways.”

The initiative follows closely on the successful conduct of BLK Elevate 2026, where representatives from Adelaide Lightning of Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), including Tess Madgen and Mohan Koo, engaged with Kerala’s basketball ecosystem to explore long-term collaborations for player development, coach education, and women’s basketball.

Backed by KBA

The Kerala Basketball Association (KBA) has extended its support to the BLK Global Passport initiative, recognizing it as a landmark step in providing young basketball players from Kerala with a structured international pathway at an early stage of their development.

Starting Five Sports Management expressed its gratitude to Chung Hua Girls Junior High School, Chuangwei Boys Junior High School, and Ekalavyas Consultancy for their support in making this fully funded program possible.

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India Basketball League to be headed by former Rajasthan Royals CEO

Team Ekalavyas — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:17:36 GMT

The India Basketball League (IBL) recently announced the appointment of Jake Lush McCrum as its new Chief Executive Officer.

McCrum joins the IBL after eight successful years with IPL team Rajasthan Royals, where he played a pivotal role in the franchise’s commercial growth and brand transformation.

During his tenure, he helped build one of cricket’s biggest communities while driving innovation across partnerships, fan engagement, and business operations.

New Chapter

He now brings that experience to Indian Basketball as it embarks on its mission to establish a professional league in partnership with ACG and the Basketball Federation of India, making it one of the country’s premier sports properties.

McCrum said on IBL’s Instagram:

“India is at a genuine inflection point in sports, and basketball has huge potential to be the next frontier: 100 million fans, no professional league, and a generation of athletes who deserve a platform. The opportunity ahead is incredibly exciting!”

As CEO, McCrum will lead the league’s strategic vision, commercial growth, and fan engagement initiatives while working closely with stakeholders across the basketball ecosystem. His focus will be on building a sustainable environment that elevates the sport, creates new opportunities for players, and delivers a world-class entertainment product for fans.

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Basketball League Kerala conducts training program with Australia's Adelaide Lightning

Team Ekalavyas — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:25:17 GMT

Basketball League Kerala (BLK) took another significant step in its vision of creating international pathways for basketball development with the successful conduct of BLK Elevate 2026, organized jointly by Starting Five Sports Management Pvt. Ltd. and the Kerala Basketball Association (KBA) at Kochi on July 1, 2026.

The highlight of the program was the participation of a high-level delegation from Adelaide Lightning, one of the oldest and most respected clubs in Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

The delegation was led by Tess Madgen, General Manager of Adelaide Lightning and one of Australia’s most accomplished basketball players, having represented the country at the 2018 (Silver Medal) and 2022 (Bronze Medal) FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cups.

BLK Elevate 2026

As part of BLK Elevate, around 35 talented girls from the U14 and U19 categories of BLK Season 1, along with a select group of promising players from Kochi, participated in an exclusive two-hour High Performance Skill Session conducted by Madgen at the Regional Sports Centre, Kochi.

The young athletes had the opportunity to learn modern training methods, game intelligence, and player development techniques. The session generated tremendous enthusiasm among the participants, who described the experience as both inspiring and transformative.

Coach Workshop

Following the player development program, Madgen conducted an exclusive Coach Education Workshop for six BLK coaches, focusing on contemporary coaching practices, athlete development, leadership, and creating sustainable pathways for young basketball players.

The workshop reinforced the importance of investing in coach education as the foundation for long-term player development.

Speaking after the sessions, Madgen said:

“I have been impressed by the enthusiasm, commitment and potential shown by the young players. Kerala has a strong talent pool, and with consistent access to structured coaching, international exposure and long-term player development programmes, many of these athletes have the potential to compete at much higher levels.”

The day’s activities concluded with a Leadership & Business Roundtable, bringing together representatives from Adelaide Lightning, Starting Five Sports Management, the Kerala Basketball Association, and members of Kerala’s business community.

The discussions focused on creating a structured three-year partnership aimed at strengthening girls’ and women’s basketball, grassroots participation, coach education, international exchange programs, sports industry workforce development, WNBL fan engagement, and broader basketball ecosystem development in Kerala.

Representing Starting Five Sports Management were Directors Mr. P. Jacob and Mr. Zubin Meeran, along with Founder Promoters Mr. Joseph C. Joseph, Mr. Anil Kumar and Mr. Ajikumar Nair, who presented the long-term vision of building Basketball League Kerala into an internationally connected development platform.

Kerala-Australia Pathway

The roundtable concluded with a decision to jointly develop a strategic framework exploring collaboration between Kerala and Australia through basketball.

The proposed strategy will seek to leverage Kerala–Australia trade and business relationships to attract investment, build sustainable development programs, and enhance the visibility of women’s basketball.

The leadership of the Kerala Basketball Association, including President Mr. Jacob Joseph, Secretary Mr. P. C. Antony, and Life President Mr. P. J. Sunny, also actively participated and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting future collaborative initiatives arising from BLK Elevate.

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