The third edition of FIBA’s flagship tournament for women’s basketball clubs in Asia will be held at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium. It will also be the first time the annual competition is taking place outside China.

Groups

Six teams will compete for the title, featuring the national league champions of China, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei and India, alongside a representative from the Philippines that has received a Wild Card.

The teams have been divided into two groups based on the FIBA World Ranking for Women.

Group A

• Sichuan Yuanda Meile (China)

• Akari Sparks (Philippines)

• Cathay Life Tigers (Chinese Taipei)

Group B

• Denso Iris (Japan)

• KB Stars (South Korea)

• Indian Railways (India)

Indian Railways Roster

Players

• Rashi Khotani - Shooting Guard

• Sathya Krishnamurthi - Point Guard

• Priyanka Prabhakara - Shooting Guard

• Dharshini Thirunavukkarasu - Point Guard

• Manmeet Kaur - Center

• Poonam Chaturvedi - Center

• Pushpa Senthil Kumar - Center

• Namarta - Shooting Guard

• Nitika Amuthan - Point Guard

• Harshitha Kelttira Bopaiah - Power Forward

• Harima Sundhari Munishkannan - Shooting Guard

• Akot Paul Malok - Forward

• Vaishnavi Yadav - Shooting Guard

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Anitha Paul Durai

• Assistant Coach: Ashutosh Kumar Singh

Indian Railways Fixtures

• October 20 at 2:30 p.m. IST vs Denso Iris (Japan)

• October 21 at 2:30 p.m. IST vs KB Stars (South Korea)

Where to Watch?

All games will be live-streamed on the FIBA YouTube channel.

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Online applications opened on October 12, 2026, and eligible candidates can apply until November 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Applications must be submitted through the official CRPF recruitment website.

Vacancies

The notification lists 16 basketball vacancies across two posts. All positions are listed for male candidates, with no basketball vacancies listed for women.

The positions specified in the notification are Power Forward, Center and Point Guard.

Across all sports, the recruitment includes:

• Head Constable (General Duty): 182 posts

  • Men: 150

  • Women: 32

• Constable (General Duty): 339 posts

  • Men: 258

  • Women: 81

• Total: 521 vacancies

The notification states that the vacancy numbers are temporary and may change during the recruitment process.

Eligibility Criteria

The recruitment is open to eligible Indian citizens, male and female, who are ordinarily resident in India and meet the specified educational, age and sports-achievement requirements.

Educational qualifications

• Head Constable (GD): Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination.

• Constable (GD): Candidates must have passed Class 10 or an equivalent examination.

Age limit

The general age limit is 18 to 23 years as of August 1, 2026. The notification provides age relaxations for specified categories.

Sports achievements

Candidates must meet the sports-achievement criteria specified in the notification below. Eligible achievements include specified levels of representation, participation, positions or medals in recognised sporting competitions, depending on the applicable category.

Meritorious Sportspersons 320092026 528

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Salary and Pay Scale

The notification specifies the following pay scales:

• Head Constable (GD): Pay Level 4, ₹25,500–₹81,100.

• Constable (GD): Pay Level 3, ₹21,700–₹69,100.

Other applicable government allowances are also provided as per the relevant rules.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted online only through the official CRPF recruitment website.

The application fee is ₹100 for male candidates belonging to the Unreserved, Other Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections categories. Women candidates and candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Ex-servicemen categories are exempt from the fee.

The notification states that applications submitted offline will not be accepted. It also warns that failure to upload the required sports-achievement documents to the candidate’s profile before applying may result in rejection.

• Online application begins: October 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM.

• Last date to apply: November 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

• Application correction window: November 12–14, 2026.

Selection Process

Candidates whose online applications are found correct will be issued online admit cards to participate in the recruitment process.

The selection process includes identity verification, document verification, a Physical Standard Test (PST), a sports trial and a Detailed Medical Examination or Review Medical Examination, as applicable.

Candidates must produce the required original documents and certificates during verification.

The recruitment notification also sets out a sports-achievement scoring system.

Candidates are advised to read the full notification (attached above) and confirm their eligibility before submitting an application.

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Alongside her playing commitments, Gamit, 24, is working as the club’s Girls Development Officer and Women’s Team Social Media Manager. She also recently graduated with an MSc in Sports Management from Coventry University.

Rockets head coach Clive Allen revealed that Gamit was a player he had been looking to bring into the team since last season.

Gamit, meanwhile, said she was excited about the opportunity and new challenge.

Gujarat to Birmingham

Gamit brings extensive Indian basketball experience to the Rockets, having represented Gujarat and competed in more than 20 national championships.

One of her biggest achievements came when she was part of the Gujarat women’s team that reached the upper pool (Top 10), for the first time in 42 years.

In 2024, Gamit was also part of the Jain University squad that won the gold medal at the Khelo India University Games.

Rockets Target Division 1 Return

The City of Birmingham Rockets finished third in Pool A of the WNBL Division 2 last season, ending the campaign just six points behind the pool winners.

The 2026–27 campaign brings a revised league structure, with Women’s Division 2 expanding from two pools to three. Under Basketball England’s promotion regulations, top-finishing teams can apply to enter Division 1, provided they meet the relevant league standards.

With more pools in the competition, the Brum team will need to navigate its group and finish among the top to reach the postseason and keep its promotion chances alive.

The last time the women’s team competed in the Women’s National Basketball League Division One was the 2023/24 season.

Opening Fixture Ends in Forfeit

The Rockets’ opening fixture of the season ended in a forfeit by the opposing team, meaning Gamit and her new teammates have yet to take the court together in a competitive game.

Their next scheduled fixture will see the Rockets face West Yorkshire Hawks Senior Women on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

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The competition features 10 boys’ and girls’ teams each, with both categories following a pool-based format before progressing to the knockout stages.

Tournament Structure

The participating teams in both categories have been divided into Pool A and Pool B, with five teams in each pool.

The fixtures are determined on the opening day of the championship through a draw. The names of the teams in each pool are placed in a lot, with each team drawing its first opponent. The remaining pool fixtures will see every team face the other four sides in its group.

Each team will play four games in the pool stage, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semifinals. The winners will progress to the final, while the losing teams will compete in the third-place playoff to determine the championship standings.

Participating Teams

Boys’ Category

Pool A

1. Bharti Public School, Swasthya Vihar

2. The Mann School, Holambi Khurd

3. Bal Bharati Public School, Pitampura

4. Bal Bhavan Public School, Mayur Vihar

5. ITL Public School, Dwarka

Pool B

1. Yuva Shakti Model School, Rohini

2. Mira Model School, Janakpuri

3. MNSS, Rai, Sonipat

4. Bluebells School International, Kailash Colony

5. DHTS Vidya Mandir, Ghaziabad

Girls’ Category

Pool A

1. Queen’s Valley School, Dwarka

2. Bharti Public School, Swasthya Vihar

3. Bal Bharati Public School, Pitampura

4. Mamta Modern Sr. Sec School. Vikaspuri

5. Shiv Nadar School, Noida

Pool B

1. Apex Public School, Burari

2. Sachdeva Public School, Pitampura

3. St. Thomas Girls Senior Secondary School, Mandir Marg

4. Mira Model School, Janakpuri

5. DHTS Vidya Mandir, Ghaziabad

The Ballers Unite Championship is an invitational tournament conducted after the conclusion of the CBSE sports competitions.

Invitations are extended to the top eight teams from the CBSE competitions, along with legacy members and previous-year champions, who can participate if they wish to return for the next edition.

Delhi/NCR 🏀 Whatsapp Updates

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The tournament features strong competition from teams across the Northeast and Nepal.

From Kozhikode to Sikkim

Two of these players - Arthika K and Cloudia Onden - were scouted by Coach Eudrick Pereira thanks to their participation earlier this year in Basketball League Kerala (BLK)’s U19 division. While Cloudia was coached by Mr Pereira in the Kochi Stallions, Arthika attends the skills sessions at Mr Pereira’s Pro Basketball Training Academy in Kochi.

Meanwhile, Devananda K, who is slightly older, has the distinction of competing in the U19 School Nationals in 2024.

All three players regularly train under coach Athul in Kozhikode.

The trio’s move was facilitated by Ekalavyas’ Ek Talent arm, which assisted Ravens with identifying and connecting with suitable players fitting the club’s specific requirements.

Signing with Ravens Basketball Club

For Ravens, the addition of the three Kerala players is part of their attempt to build a squad capable of competing for the championship, having finished runners-up last year.

Ravens men’s captain and women’s team manager and acting coach Paljor R.W said the team was specifically looking for young players who could make an immediate impact against a strong field.

About Ek Talent

Ek Talent is the talent management wing of Ekalavyas Consultancy Pvt Ltd, and seeks to connect players with suitable professional opportunities both within India and internationally.

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The competition runs through October 4, with the semifinals on October 3, followed by the finals.

Indian Railways qualified for the Final 8 after winning the 75th Senior National Basketball Championship. The tournament will mark their first appearance in WASL.

Railways have been drawn in Group A alongside two-time defending champions Al Riyadi Beirut, Ittihad Club of Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait Club. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

Team Roster

The squad combines the Indian Railways core with three international additions, Darlinstone Dubar, Cleanthony Early, and Tim Dalger.

• Sahaij Sekhon

• Darlinstone Dubar

• Himanshu

• Cleanthony Early

• Surya Pratap Singh

• Kanwar Sandhu

• Vishnu Prasad Unnikrishnan

• Gowtham Vignesh Korla

• Arvinder Singh

• Tushal Singh

• Manik

• Princepal Singh

• Tim Dalger

• Amarendra Nayak

Head Coach: Ashutosh Kumar Singh

Indian Railways Fixtures

(All times are in IST)

• September 26: vs Al Riyadi at 11:15 p.m.

• September 28: vs Ittihad Club at 8:15 p.m.

• September 30: vs Kuwait Club at 8:15 p.m.

Where to Watch?

All WASL Final 8 games can be watched on YouSport with a subscription.

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The competition will take place from September 26 to October 4 at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Zouk Mikael, Lebanon.

The tournament features eight teams divided into Groups A and B, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. The winners of that round will meet in the championship game on October 4.

Indian Railways in Group A

Indian Railways have been drawn in Group A, alongside defending champions Al Riyadi Beirut, Saudi Arabia’s Ittihad Club and Kuwait SC.

The Indian side will open their campaign against Al Riyadi on September 26, before facing Ittihad Club on September 28 and Kuwait SC on September 30.

They have also added international experience to boost their roster, bringing in Darlinstone Dubar, Cleanthony Early, and Dominique Jones as foreign players for the competition.

Their additions come as Railways prepare to face two-time defending WASL champions Al Riyadi Beirut in their opening game.

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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

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.

Second Major Event Missed

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.

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Who is he?

Youth Nationals to Railway Coolie

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.

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

According to the commenter, late Indian women’s coach Zareen Zaidi also spotted Kumar at the station in Bengaluru, brought him to Lucknow to play basketball, arranged accommodation for him, and covered his expenses. Zaidi reportedly arranged shoes for him from the United States because Kumar’s feet were too large for regular footwear.

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?

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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

🏀 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

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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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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.

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 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

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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A Tight Start

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

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

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.

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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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

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

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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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’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

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

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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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.

India’s Fixtures

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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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

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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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 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

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

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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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

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

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.

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

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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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 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.

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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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 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.

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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