109 Young Indian Basketball Players Compete in Mini World Cup
The inaugural school-level tournament underway in Qatar is designed to mirror the competitive structure of the main FIBA event to be held in the country in 2027.
Doha, Qatar: The Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, together with the Qatar School Sports Association, has launched the inaugural Basketball Mini World Cup, a school-level tournament in the Middle East.
The event, which tipped off on November 5 and will run until November 30, aims to engage young athletes ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup, to be hosted by the same country.
Strong Indian Presence
One hundred nine Indian students studying in Qatar-based schools, such as Al Khor International School (AKIS), Birla Public School, DPS Modern Indian School, and Loyola International School, are participating in the Basketball Mini World Cup.
These schools form a significant part of the diverse field of secondary schools competing in Season 1. For many of these Indian students, the Mini World Cup offers a rare chance to experience the structure, pressure, and excitement of an international basketball competition, mirroring the environment of the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb said:
“The ultimate goal of this tournament is to raise sporting awareness among students, link them to the legacy of basketball both in Qatar and internationally, and reinforce sport as a cultural, educational, and human value that inspires future generations.”
In its first season (2025–2026), 32 secondary schools from across Qatar will compete under their official school names. The tournament will conclude with a grand final scheduled for May 2026 at the Aspire Dome. In the second season, schools will represent the official national teams that qualify for the Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, creating an even more authentic World Cup experience for the youngsters.
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