Kerala Combine Announced First

The inaugural activation under the Desi Ballers platform will be the Kerala Combine, linked to the upcoming BLK League, in partnership with the Kerala Basketball Association, Starting Five Sports Management Pvt. Ltd., and ABC Basketball Development League Pvt. Ltd.

The Combine is open to both boys and girls across two age categories:

Age Categories & Eligibility:

• U14: Players born on or after January 1, 2012

• U19: Players born on or after January 1, 2007

The combine will directly feed into the upcoming BLK League, positioning selected players within a professionalized competitive environment.

Given the league’s fixed calendar, the combine process will operate on an accelerated schedule. Diaspora trials are to be conducted before May 10, with player auctions already scheduled for May 17. The league is set to tip-off on June 1.

Priority Criteria for Applicants

The Kerala Combine will focus specifically on diaspora players with strong regional ties:

• Malayali lineage (mandatory requirement)

• Indian passport holders / NRIs are preferred

• Players currently based in Gulf countries are preferred

How to Apply

The opportunity is open only for U14 and U19 players, and interested athletes are encouraged to apply immediately due to the strict timeline.

Fill the Application Link here.

Kerala 🏀 News and Updates

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The league is scheduled to be held in June 2026 in Mizoram and will feature young basketball talent from across all seven North Eastern states.

Key Highlights of the League

• Participation from all Seven Sister States

• Formation of 10 franchises

• Exclusive Men’s U19 category for Season 1

• ‘All-Play-All’ format, ensuring maximum exposure and game time for every player

• Organized in association with the Mizoram Basketball Association

Inspired by the success and structure of the Mizoram Super League, this initiative serves as its junior counterpart, providing young athletes with a professional environment.

The league aims to bridge the gap between talent, structured competition, and exposure, providing North East players a pathway into mainstream Indian basketball.

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The initiative aims to connect promising players with fully funded basketball training and education scholarships in Taiwan.

The selected players will have the chance to develop academically and athletically in a professional environment.

Global Pathway for Indian Subcontinent Female Ballers

The South Asian region has long produced talented female players, but access to structured international exposure at an early age remains limited.

Through Stree Got Game, Ekalavyas is attempting to bridge that gap by identifying young girls who have the physical attributes and developmental potential to benefit from elite international systems in Taiwan and other parts of the world.

What the selected athletes will receive in Taiwan:

• 100% basketball scholarship

• Professional training environment

• Accommodation provided

• Formal academic education

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Monthly nutrition allowance

• Training and competition equipment

• Guaranteed high school placement

• Long-term player development exposure

• One round-trip international flight ticket per year (Winter & Summer holidays)

Priority Eligibility Criteria

The current scouting phase (for Taiwan) is focused on identifying tall female players who meet the following requirements:

• Height: 175 cm or taller

• Academic Eligibility: Players entering Grade 7, 8, 9, or 10

How to Apply?

If you are an eligible player, coach, parent, or academy in South Asia, you need to act quickly, as the identification window is limited.

The deadline to complete the form below is two weeks from today.

Fill and submit player details here.

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Following a considerable turnout at the final sessions held at Silver Hill HSS, Kozhikode, and the Thalassery Municipal Stadium on April 14, the hunt now moves into the high-stakes selection trial phase.

Since its launch, the OMH challenge has seen more than 1,150 young athletes in the Under-14 and Under-19 categories (boys and girls) participate from across the state.

The program was a collaboration between Starting Five Sports Management Pvt Ltd, the Kerala Basketball Association, and ABC Basketball Development League Pvt Ltd, utilizing a unique data-driven approach.

Players were evaluated on shooting, dribbling, and defensive skills through rigorous, high-pressure one-minute tests.

Path to League Selection Trials

Shortlisted players from the OMH challenge will be invited to official selection trials scheduled for the first week of May at three regional hubs: Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Thrissur.

Top performers from these trials will then enter the official BLK Player Auction. Six franchise teams–Trivandrum Capitals, Alappuzha Dolphins, Kottayam Bisons, Kochi Stallions, Thrissur Taskers, and Calicut Warriors-will bid to build their squads from this talent pool.

Koshy Abraham, Director of Starting Five and league spokesperson:

“This initiative represents a significant step in professionalising grassroots basketball in Kerala. By providing a transparent and data-driven platform, we are ensuring every talented young player in the state has a fair shot at the professional stage.”

The inaugural BLK season for U-19 and U-14 players is scheduled to tip off in June 2026. A senior league featuring international talent is also slated for next year.

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The grassroots development initiative will feature U15 and U18 boys and girls categories.

The TJBL will include six city-based franchises, namely Hyderabad Hurricanes, Ranga Reddy Rulers, Nalgonda Ninjas, Vikarabad Predators, Warangal Wildfires, and Medak Monsters.

Player Trials

In an overwhelming response, approximately 2000 young athletes have already registered for the league. The official player trials were conducted over three days, from 10th to 12th April 2026, at the Dream Basketball Academy, Hyderabad.

Players underwent an intensive evaluation process during the trials. The selected athletes will then be drafted into the six franchises.

Speaking about the initiative, A. Prudhvi Reddy, General Secretary of the Telangana Basketball Association, said:

The league is scheduled for June 2026, with selected players participating in a month-long training camp in May to prepare for the competition.

The Telangana Junior Basketball League aims to revolutionize youth basketball in the state by providing structured competition, professional exposure, and a clear pathway to the elite-level.

Telugu 🏀 News and Updates

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The academy, in collaboration with Dribble Academy Foundation, is opening its doors once again to identify and nurture promising young basketball talent.

Tryout Details

• Date: 7th April 2026

• Time: 3:00 PM onwards

• Venue: BSES Basketball Academy, A Block, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Group: 12–15 years

• Date of Birth: Between 2010 and 2014

• Minimum Height: 5’10” and above

• Category: Boys only

What Selected Players Receive

This is a 100% scholarship-based program, offering:

• Professional coaching from experienced trainers

• Free boarding and education

• Access to strength and conditioning experts

• Training at a dedicated indoor basketball facility

Why This Matters

Opportunities that combine high-level coaching with full financial support are rare in Indian basketball. This program is designed to provide a structured pathway for young athletes to develop both academically and athletically—without financial barriers.

Final Call

With limited spots available, this is the last chance to be considered for the 2026 intake.

Interested players can register by scanning the QR code provided in the official announcement.

Contact Information

+91-9899010413

+91-9540823919

The first edition of the tournament promises both high-level competition and a scenic Himalayan backdrop, with organisers encouraging teams from across India to take part. With ₹5 lakh in total prize money, the event is expected to attract strong participation from the growing national 3x3 basketball community.

Importantly for interested teams, today (March 15) is the final day to register at the discounted early-bird rate of ₹3,000 per team.

Major Prize Pool Up for Grabs

The tournament will feature separate open categories for men and women.

Men’s Open Category

• Winners: ₹2,00,000

• Runners-up: ₹1,00,000

Women’s Open Category

• Winners: ₹1,00,000

• Runners-up: ₹50,000

Additional rewards will also be presented for individual awardees, along with a 2-Point Shootout sub-event for both men and women.

A Unique Basketball Experience in the Himalayas

Held in Gangtok, the tournament offers something few basketball events in India can match: the chance to compete in one of the country’s most scenic mountain regions.

For many players, the event represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine competition with travel, as teams get the chance to experience the culture and landscapes of Sikkim, a Himalayan state known for its natural beauty.

Tournament Format and Participation

The expected structure includes:

Men’s Category

• 24–32 teams

• Top two teams from each group advance

Women’s Category

• 12–16 teams

• Top two teams from each group advance

The event will follow a league-cum-knockout format.

Registration Details: Early Bird Deadline Today

The early bird fee of ₹3,000 per team is available only until today (March 15). After that, the standard registration fee of ₹5,000 per team will apply.

Interested teams can contact +91 8918279524 via WhatsApp to receive the registration link and further instructions.

✅ Tournament: Sikkim Slam 3x3
📍 Venue: Paljor Stadium
📅 Dates: March 27–29, 2026
💰 Prize Pool: ₹5,00,000
🏀 Categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open
⚡ Early Bird Deadline: March 15

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Organized by Flowternity Sports, the camps will be conducted across 12 different venues throughout the city, making it easier for families to find a convenient training location nearby.

The camps are designed to provide structured coaching, skill development sessions, and competitive play opportunities in a fun and supportive environment for young athletes.

Sports Offered

Participants can choose from multiple sports depending on their interest.

Basketball

Basketball training will be available at all 12 camp locations across the city.

Sessions will focus on:

• Fundamental skill development

• Shooting and ball-handling

• Game awareness and decision-making

• Match play opportunities

Skating

Skating sessions will be conducted only at the Horamavu main facility, which offers the necessary infrastructure for training.

Futsal

Futsal will also be offered exclusively at the Horamavu main facility.

Participants are allowed to select more than one sport if they wish to try multiple activities during the camp.

Camp Dates

Two camp batches will be conducted:

Camp 1:
6 April – 23 April

Camp 2:
27 April – 14 May

Participants may select one or both camps when registering.

Camp Locations Across Bengaluru

Basketball camps will be available at the following locations:

• BTM Layout

• Hennur–Byrathi

• Horamavu

• Jakkur

• Jalahalli

• Kadugodi

• Mysore Road

• Sahakar Nagar

• Sarjapur

• CVR

• Yelahanka RT

• Horamavu (Main Facility)

This city-wide format allows participants to train closer to home while still benefiting from structured coaching.

Registration Process

Interested participants must complete the official registration form.

👉 Register here

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Train Indoors This Summer

Designed for players of all ages and skill levels, the camps offer structured development programs inside an elite indoor basketball facility—a major advantage in India where many summer programs take place outdoors and are often affected by weather conditions.

The program is led by former Indian international Akanksha Singh’s coaching team, and will take place at their premium indoor basketball facility within the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence complex in Bengaluru, ensuring uninterrupted training conditions throughout the summer.

Residential accommodation will also be available for players traveling from outside Bengaluru.

Two Camp Pathways

Participants will undergo a skill assessment on the first day, after which coaches will guide them toward the appropriate training group.

Depending on their current level and development goals, players will join either the Summer Camp (beginner/intermediate) or the Elite Camp.

Summer Camp (Beginners & Intermediate Players)

This program is designed for players who are relatively new to basketball or looking to strengthen their fundamentals.

Training will focus on:

• Core basketball fundamentals

• Shooting and ball-handling skills

• Footwork and movement

• Game awareness and decision-making

Camp Dates

• Camp 1: 13 April – 1 May

• Camp 2: 4 May – 22 May

• Camp 3: 25 May – 12 June

• Camp 4: 15 June – 3 July

• Camp 5: 6 July – 24 July

Elite Camp (for advanced players)

The Elite Camp is specifically designed for advanced players preparing for upcoming competitions and tournaments.

Training sessions will emphasize:

• Advanced skill development

• Competitive drills and live game situations

• Strength and conditioning

• Tactical understanding and performance preparation

Camp Dates

• Camp 1: 6 April – 2 May

• Camp 2: 4 May – 30 May

• Camp 3: 1 June – 27 June

• Camp 4: 29 June – 25 July

Why Indoor Training Matters

One of the key highlights of the program is the indoor basketball training environment, allowing athletes to train in consistent, professional conditions throughout the summer.

Indoor facilities allow for:

• Uninterrupted training regardless of weather

• Better court conditions for skill work

• Longer, more structured sessions

• A focused high-performance training environment

For players serious about improving their game during the offseason, indoor training environments can significantly enhance the quality of development.

How to Apply

Interested athletes must complete the official registration form.

After submission, the organizers will contact applicants with further details including:

• Camp fees

• Residential accommodation options

• Training schedule

• Additional terms and conditions

👉 Application Form

Only those who submit the form will be contacted by the organizers.

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The rankings, released on March 3, came after the conclusion of Window 2 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. For most teams, the window meant two games and two chances to earn important ranking points.

India, however, played only one game.

The Young Cagers faced the Qatar men’s national team on February 28, suffering a 99-73 defeat in Doha. It was a tough outing, but the bigger twist in India’s campaign came after the game and off the court.

Iran War Affects India’s FIBA Ranking

Just days later, India was scheduled to play Lebanon on March 2. Instead, the game never happened.

The USA and Israel’s attack on Iran, with the Islamic Republic responding by bombing nearby Middle Eastern countries, led to widespread disruption across the region. Airspaces were suddenly shut down, travel plans collapsed, and the game was postponed indefinitely.

The Indian squad, which had already travelled to Qatar for the qualifiers, ended up stranded in Doha as the war raged on.

While the situation remains tense, Qatar has slowly begun reopening parts of its airspace. But as of now, the Indian team is yet to return home.

However, the consequences of that postponed Lebanon game have now shown up in the FIBA rankings.

Because India played only one of its two scheduled qualifiers, it missed out on valuable participation points in FIBA’s ranking system. As a result, the country slipped from World No. 75 to No. 76 in the latest standings.

Interestingly, India’s total points actually rose from 143.6 in December 2025 to 150.4 in the March 2026 rankings. But the increase was not enough to move up, as African nations gained more points by playing all their games during Window 2.

In simple words, India’s one-spot drop was not just about losing their one game against Qatar, but it was about not getting the chance to play Lebanon at all. However, this drop is only temporary, as the country has the opportunity to gain more points after playing three games during the next Window.

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The situation heated up following military action involving Israel and the United States against Iran on Friday, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory missiles targeting U.S. military bases and other sites across the Gulf countries, including in Qatar.

FIBA Postpones Remaining Games

The Indian team had travelled to Doha earlier this week to compete in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. India played its opening game of Window 2 against Qatar on February 28.

The team’s next game was scheduled for March 3 against the Lebanon men’s national team in Beirut. However, due to the intensifying war-like situation, that game has now been postponed.

In an official statement, FIBA confirmed that all Group C and Group D games scheduled for March 2 and 3 have been postponed due to the security risk.

BFI Confirms Indian Team’s Safety

The federation said that it is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Embassy of India in Doha to ensure the players’ safety and get them back home as soon as possible.

BFI extended its gratitude to the Qatar Basketball Federation for providing support and assistance to the Indian contingent during the ongoing crisis.

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The opportunity emerged largely due to Sule’s recent performances with Team CNX Orion in the Warriors League in Thailand, where a string of standout games helped him attract international attention.

According to Sule, strong numbers and quality game film played a major role.

Sule claimed one particular performance proved pivotal, where he recorded five three-pointers in a game against one of the Warrior League’s top teams. The game became a key piece of his film, which he circulated to clubs globally. Eventually, the Lithuanian side responded positively and offered him a contract.

Lithuania Move Boosts Long-Term European Plans

The Baltic nation is widely regarded as one of the best European basketball destinations and has one of the strongest programs in the world, according to FIBA rankings. Unlike many countries where football dominates, basketball is deeply embedded in Lithuanian sporting culture.

US Titans has been competing in the Probasket Armenia A-League for several years and is now transitioning into the Lithuanian basketball pyramid through a partnership with the Lithuanian Basketball Academy (LBA). This collaboration allows the team to participate in multiple competitions, including the RKL (Lithuania’s third division), the KKML league in Kaunas, and various cup tournaments involving second and third-division teams.

Sule is expected to report in mid-March, joining the squad mid-season as they push to end their campaign on a high note. The US Titans currently sit seventh in the Armenia League A standings.

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This was Coach Flemming’s second stint with the national team.

Coach Flemming is arguably the most loved and respected name in Indian basketball over the last 12 years, and his resignation truly marks the end of an era - where the men’s team not only posted historic wins over the likes of China and Angola, but later also found itself at the start of a long rebuild, a process which is underway today.

Here’s Coach Flemming’s full statement:

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The news was announced at a press conference in Viman Nagar, Pune, on January 19. The event was attended by Rahul Jha, Head of Business Operations and Growth, ACG Sports; Anirudh Pole, Founder and CEO, ABC; Mukesh Kalia, President, Delhi Basketball Association; Prudhvi Reddy, Secretary, Telangana Basketball Association; Govind Muthukumar, Secretary, Maharashtra State Basketball Association; and P.C. Antony, Secretary, Kerala Basketball Association.

The leagues will be operated by ABC Basketball Development League Pvt. Ltd., following a strategic investment from ACG, and will cater to Under-14 and Under-18 age groups.

Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Telangana have already been finalised for the rollout, with the remaining states to be confirmed. The final league calendar is expected by the end of February.

High Performance Centres

The partnership will introduce franchisee-owned leagues alongside the establishment of training centres and High Performance Centres (HPCs) across the states.

The initiative is designed to strengthen talent identification and long-term athlete development. Players discovered through these leagues may be considered for tryouts at ACG-operated HPCs, based on performance, potential, and evaluation criteria.

Jha said: “At ACG, we believe the future of Indian basketball lies in building a complete pathway for athletes — from their first exposure to the sport to the professional stage,” said Rahul Jha, Head of Strategy and Chief of Staff at ACG, adding that the focus on the 14–18 age group is critical for sustainable growth.

Pole added: “This association strengthens the developmental framework of Indian basketball by creating a clearer and more connected pathway for young players. By aligning youth leagues with High Performance Centres, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth of elite Indian basketball talent.”

With four states already confirmed and nationwide expansion planned, this could mark one of the most structured youth basketball initiatives in India.

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Built in the late 1980s to early 1990s under the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Goa, the court has long been a cornerstone of local basketball culture. Over the decades, it has grown into the state’s primary venue for inter-school and inter-college tournaments, nurturing generations of Goan talent.

What truly sets this court apart is its setting. Framed by towering casuarina trees on one side and a lively skate park on the other, the court seamlessly blends sport, nature, and youth culture. Add the open sky, sea breeze, and riverside jogging track, and it becomes one of the most Instagram-worthy public courts in India.

What makes it even better is that it’s open and accessible to everyone; the Miramar court welcomes locals, travellers, and hoopers alike. Whether you’re going for a casual shootaround or just stopping by to soak in the vibe, anyone can access the facility.

So on your next trip to Goa, make sure to add this court to your itinerary —Youth Hostel Miramar Basketball Court, Panjim.

Whether you’re a hooper, a sports lover, or simply someone who enjoys discovering unique places, this court offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else in India.

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The order dated November 25, 2025, has given the Director General 60 days to complete the investigation and submit the report.

The order was issued following a petition filed by the operators of Elite Pro Basketball Private Limited (EPBL), who argued that the Federation abused its dominant position within the market to unfairly restrict player participation and block events and venues, thus creating a monopoly over basketball in the country.

Three Key Issues

The petition filed by EPBL aims to prove three central issues:

1. That the Federation abused its dominant position by controlling access/entry to private basketball leagues, tournaments, exhibition games, and player participation.

2. That private leagues were unfairly prevented from launching due to restrictive approval systems, threats, and being refused sanction despite the petitioners requesting BFI’s support and recognition on multiple occasions.

3. That players were subjected to unreasonable restrictions that prevent them from earning a livelihood through leagues outside the Federation’s control.

BFI Blocking Players’ Opportunities?

The petitioner (EPBL) claims that BFI allegedly used the guise of mandatory approvals as gatekeeping tools to delay or block their league. EPBL claims that the top brass of the Federation personally issued threats of bans or suspensions against players associating with non-Federation competitions, thus adding coercive pressure.

As per the petition, the Federation’s exclusive control over referees, game officials, and infrastructure (basketball courts) ensured that private events faced a severe shortage of resources to succeed.

The overall aim was to deny market access to private league organizers and limit career choices for players. The petitioners argue that these practices by BFI have abused its dominant position within the meaning of Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.

Detailed Investigation Ordered

Following the evidence presented by the EPBL, the CCI came to the opinion that there exists a prima facie case which requires a full investigation by the Director General to determine whether BFI’s alleged actions have resulted in contravention of various provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.

Once the investigation is completed, the Director General will present their evidence before the commission, which will then decide on the next course of action. In no way is the CCI’s order to investigate a final decision on the merits of the case.

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While the improvement may come as a surprise to many, considering the national team has not won any of its last five games in major competitions, FIBA’s new ranking system deserves some credit.

FIBA’s New Ranking System

Under the latest FIBA rankings system rolled out in November, and made effective from the recent Window 1 of the World Cup Qualifiers, national teams never lose points. They only accumulate them each time they play an official FIBA game. That means even losses add a certain number of points.

So, despite India losing both games, their points rose from 130 in September 2025 to 143.6 in December 2025, gaining 6.8 points from each defeat.

Before the opening Qualifiers window began, Kazakhstan led India by 7.7 points. Now, with India receiving 6.8 points for playing each game against KSA, the team has moved ahead of Kazakhstan by 5.9 points.

Unlike India, Kazakhstan is not competing in the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers, and hence will remain stuck on 137.7 points.

Bahrain in India’s Sights

The Young Cagers have more movement guaranteed. Like Kazakhstan, Bahrain has also failed to reach the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers.

The Middle Eastern country currently sits just 7.7 points above India, and because the new formula rewards participation, India is mathematically assured of overtaking Bahrain after the next World Cup Qualifiers window, even if the team loses both games again.

However, that is where the automatic climb will most likely end. At least in Asia, every team ranked above Bahrain is already active in the World Cup Qualifiers, meaning India cannot leapfrog any of them without actually winning games.

Still, the new FIBA system has brought India some positivity by rewarding their continued presence in top-level events.

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The annual tournament is held in memory of the late Shri Harish Sharma, a former international player and sports administrator.

Smt. Roopam Harish Sharma, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the championship, announced during a press conference that this year’s edition will feature a record 80 teams, 50 men’s and 30 women’s squads, representing various states and private groups across India. The event also promises a double prize purse compared to last year’s inaugural edition.

Season 2 Registration

The championship will be played across four basketball courts simultaneously. The Prithvi Nath Club (PNC), affiliated with the Delhi Basketball Association (DBA), is organizing the event. However, the DBA remains the official host under the aegis of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and with endorsement from FIBA 3x3.

President of Delhi Basketball Association, Shri Mukesh Kalia, said:

The Guest of Honour, Shri Aslam Sher Khan, former member of the Indian Hockey team, who, in the 1975 World Cup held at Kuala Lumpur, helped India to win the gold medal, said:

“I’m delighted that the 3x3 format, a sport that’s made its mark at the Olympic level, is gaining momentum in India. As an international player myself, I’m convinced that with the support the sport is receiving, we’ll witness India’s rapid rise in the basketball world, and I’m excited to see our country shine in the near future.”

The press conference was attended by officials from the Delhi Basketball Association, including its General Secretary, Shri Ashok Rangeen; Treasurer, Shri Rajesh Kumar; Senior Vice President, Shri Chand Rehan; and Vice President, Yashasvika Sharma, alongside Smt. Arti Mehra, who is the President of the Organising Committee for the tournament.

The tournament’s official kit partner is Shiv Naresh, and Amit Anand, a former basketball player, is sponsoring the prize money.

Other sponsors include on-court and off-court decorations by Rido Sports, led by Mr. Sandeep Bhola, Zipsy is providing bags, and JagsFresh will provide nutritious refreshments for all the players. Cosco is providing basketballs, and KnackPro will ensure hydration during the championship.

Registration for the championship is open until December 12. More details of the tournament will follow.

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Designed as a development-focused competition for Under-14 and Under-18 boys and girls, the BLK marks the beginning of a structured pathway for Kerala’s young hoopers that will eventually lead to full-fledged professional leagues for men and women.

The initiative is spearheaded by Kochi-based Starting Five Sports Management Pvt. Ltd. and Pune-based ABCFF League Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with the Kerala Basketball Association (KBA), which will provide full technical and regulatory support.

Youth Development League

The BLK Development League Season 1 will take place in April 2026 at a centralised venue and is open exclusively to Kerala-based players. The formal player registration opens on December 10, 2025.

The 10-day league will feature 24 teams across four categories (U-14 boys, U-14 girls, U-18 boys, U-18 girls) and aims to conduct 72 matches. The BLK will also integrate video analytics across all 72 games, enabling detailed performance breakdowns for players, coaches, and officials.

Before the season kicks off, all selected athletes will participate in a three-day centralised training camp in early April.

‘One Minute to Hoop’ Skill Challenge

Player identification begins with a statewide scouting initiative, the One Minute to Hoop Skill Challenge (OMH). Conducted across eight to ten major cities in Kerala, the OMH will evaluate players on dribbling, passing, and shooting skills, forming the first shortlist of athletes eligible for BLK Season 1.

Following OMH, shortlisted athletes will attend match-play trials in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode in late January. Roughly 100 players per category will then advance to a digital auction in February–March 2026, where the six franchise teams in each division will draft their squads.

Kerala Basketball Association’s Role

The Kerala Basketball Association and its 14 district units will oversee:

• Codifying BLK rules and regulations

• Supervising the OMH skill challenge

• Appointing technical officials for tests, trials, and matches

• Identifying 48 qualified coaches (two per team) to support scouting, drafting, and season operations

“KBA is proud to extend full technical support,” said Jacob Joseph, President, KBA. “This initiative will energise activity across districts and give young players unprecedented competitive exposure.”

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The defeat came at the hands of a more athletic Saudi unit led by Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman. It also extended India’s staggering 0–18 losing streak in the competition, without a single win in World Cup Qualifiers history.

India’s men’s basketball team is now on the longest losing streak in FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying history, with 18 consecutive defeats. The slide began in the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers, where India went 0–6. It continued through a winless 0–10 run in the 2023 cycle, and has extended into the current 2027 Asian Qualifiers with a 0–2 start across window 1.

With the gulf in quality widening, India’s chances of progressing now look bleak as they prepare to face Lebanon and Qatar next, two sides as strong as, if not stronger than, Saudi Arabia.

India’s finishing woes were once again decisive last night. They missed a flurry of open looks, shooting just 5 out of 25 from beyond the arc and a worrying 17 of 51 on attempts inside. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia controlled the paint, registering eight blocks, four of them from dominant center Mohammed Alsuwailem.

Game Summary

For a team hoping to finally turn a page at home, the evening delivered more frustration. The Scott Flemming-coached side entered the game seeking their first-ever victory against Saudi Arabia, having lost all six previous outings, including the 75–51 defeat in Riyadh just three days earlier. But the visitors once again proved too strong, too fast, and too clinical.

Even the usually electric atmosphere in Chennai felt subdued. The stands, packed to the rafters during last year’s FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, had numerous empty seats, denying India the full home-court energy they’ve leaned on in this venue before.

Key Performances

For India, Kanwar Sandhu delivered a strong individual showing by scoring 19 points, fighting to keep the offense afloat despite limited support.

Momentum Shifts

Saudi Arabia set the tone with seven unanswered points early on and finished the first quarter up 19–9. India never recovered from the slow start.

The second quarter proved decisive as Abdur-Rahkman took charge and the visitors surged to a 43–21 halftime lead. For the second straight game, India’s inability to convert offensive rebounds and their struggles in half-court execution prevented any chance of a fightback.

The third quarter only widened the gap, with Saudi Arabia putting up 28 points to India’s 15. Though the home side showed more aggression late, the Gulf nation kept firm control.

Thumbs Up (India)

There were still a few encouraging signs for India despite the heavy defeat. The team showed improvement in transition, scoring 13 fast-break points, a significant leap from just four in the previous game. Their hustle on the glass was commendable, too, as they pulled down 18 offensive rebounds.

Thumbs Down (India)

India’s biggest struggles stemmed from its inability to convert effort into outcomes. Despite collecting 18 offensive rebounds, they produced only eight second-chance points, a statistic that summed up their finishing issues throughout the night.

The slow start once again hurt them, with the early 0–7 stretch killing momentum and allowing Saudi Arabia to dictate tempo. India’s half-court offense also stagnated for long stretches, leading to scoring droughts that the visitors exploited.

Final Result

Saudi Arabia (Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman 26 pts & 7 reb, Marzouq Almuwallad 13 pts & 5 reb & 5 ast, Ali Shubayli 10 pts & 5 reb) bt India (Kanwar Sandhu 19 pts & 2 reb, Arvind Muthu Krishnan 9 pts & 5 reb, Sahaij Sekhon 8 pts) 83-57 [19-9, 24-12, 28-15, 12-21]

Next Up

India now shifts its attention to Window 2, where it has two away games: one against Qatar on February 27, 2026, and another against Lebanon on March 2, 2026. Time and exact venue are TBD.

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