2025 World University Games: Indian basketball teams head to Germany
Both the Indian men and women's squads will be participating at the FISU World University Games, to be held in Rhine-Ruhr from July 16 to 27, 2025
Rhine-Ruhr, Germany – India is set to make a strong statement at the FISU World University Games, to be held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany from July 16 to 27, 2025, with both its men's and women's university basketball teams ready for the global stage.
Participating in both the 5v5 and 3x3 formats, India will be represented by a vibrant mix of talent from across the country.
Indian Basketball Rosters for FISU World University Games 2025
The Indian women’s and men’s basketball teams for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games will be led by captains Yashika Singhal from Rajasthan and Krishnapalsinh Gohil from Gujarat, respectively.
Dr. Binu George, Director of Physical Education at MG University, serves as the Head of Delegation for Indian Basketball contingent.
As per information made available via reliable but unofficial sources, India’s basketball rosters are as follows.
Indian Women’s Roster
Along with Captain Singhal, the team includes Sonal Mahala and Manvi Srivastava, also from Rajasthan. Akshaya Philip and Sandra Francis (Kerala), Jeevika Kumar and Tejasri Mahesh Kumar (Tamil Nadu), Riya Pramod Kunghadkar and Sanjana Pinto (Maharashtra), Priyanka Behal (Punjab), Anju (Haryana), and Prashitha Shetty (Karnataka).
The women’s team is coached by C.V. Sunny, former India captain and international player.
Indian Men’s Roster
Along with Captain Gohil, the team includes Anshuman Shekhawat, Lokesh Kumar Sharma, Mohammed Ishan, Yash Vardhan Singh (Rajasthan). Suganthan Balakrishnan and Sangeethkumar Pandi (Tamil Nadu). Jeshua Antonio Dos Remedios Pinto (Goa), Kirtiraj Singh Chundawat (Madhya Pradesh), Arun Lalchand Yadav (Maharashtra), Nathan Abraham Bhilla (Telangana) and Ankesh Prashar (Bihar).
The men’s squad is under the mentorship of Ram Kumar, a Dhyan Chand Awardee and veteran of Indian basketball.
Supporting the coaching staff are Johnson Thomas (Kerala State Sports Council) for the women’s side and Lokesh Mohan (Jain University) for the men. Also helping to manage team operations are Soumya Joseph (Christ University, Bengaluru) and Sujith Surendran Nair (National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi). Stalin Raphel (St. Joseph’s College, Irinjalakuda) joins as the Sports Psychologist.
Route to Rhine-Ruhr
The Indian contingents have undergone preparatory training at the Regional Sports Center (RSC), Kochi, under the guidance of seasoned coaches. The 15-day training camp was organised by Mahatma Gandhi University, in partnership with the Starting Five RSC Basketball Academy.
India Women’s Group Stage Games Schedule
India’s women’s team has been drawn in Group A along with Czechia, Argentina, and Finland and will play the opening basketball game of the tournament.
18th July 2025: vs Czechia at 12:00 CET / 15:30 IST
19th July 2025: vs Argentina at 12:00 CET / 15:30 IST
20th July 2025: vs Finland at 14:30 CET / 18:00 IST
India Men’s Group Stage Games Schedule
The men’s team finds itself in Group B, against heavyweights including USA, Romania, and Latvia. The opening clash against the Americans is expected to be the toughest, given the USA’s rich legacy in collegiate basketball.
19th July 2025: vs USA at 20:00 CET / 23:30 IST
20th July 2025: vs Romania at 17:30 CET / 21:00 IST
21st July 2025: vs Latvia at 14:30 CET / 18:00 IST
Where to Watch?
Watch all of India’s Basketball games at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games live on FISU.TV
India in 3x3 Basketball
While the 5v5 format remains the flagship competition, India will also feature in the fast-paced 3x3 basketball, a fixture making its debut at this year’s FISU Games. Final squad announcements as well as games’ schedule for 3x3 are awaited.
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