Indian Basketball Players Returning from Mongolia for National Team Stint
At least four out of the record five men's hoopers signed by different pro league squads will now be expected to significantly contribute in the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier games
As India prepares for its crucial opening FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifier games against Saudi Arabia in the last week of November, several Indian players competing in the Mongolian Professional Basketball League are expected to rejoin the national camp.
Among them, Sahaij Sekhon is the first confirmed returnee, having left Mongolia to link up with the Indian squad ahead of the qualifiers. The point guard has been one of the top-performing Indian players abroad this season.
The Punjab native impressed with the Omni Erdenet Miners and even earned a recent Player of the Game shoutout after posting 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a 20 efficiency in the Miners’ 87–65 win over SG Apes.
It is worth noting that India has not yet announced its official roster for the two games against Saudi Arabia, scheduled for November 27th and 30th.
Five Indian Hoopers in Mongolia
The 2025–26 Mongolian basketball season marked a significant shift, with five Indian players securing professional contracts in the country. It is the highest-ever representation of Indian talent in the professional league.
This surge in opportunities comes in the first year of the Mongolian Basketball Association’s new Asian import rule, which allows each team to field one unrestricted Asian import from a designated pool of eight countries. The rule change opened the door wider for regional talent, and several Indian players have been among the biggest beneficiaries.
Princepal Singh - SG Apes: Indian center made headlines in August when he signed with SG Apes, adding size and rim protection to their roster. While he remains an integral part of the team’s plans, his potential availability for the national camp will be crucial as India prepares to take on Saudi Arabia’s physical frontcourt.
Harsh Dagar - BCH Knights: Forward Dagar, signed by BCH Knights, is one of the more recent introductions to The League. He has been gaining valuable minutes in Mongolia’s competitive setup, already having grabbed eyeballs with his outside shooting skills.
Harshwardhan Tomar – Mongolians: Standing 2.08m, the Mongolians announced Tomar’s signing last month.
Palpreet Singh Brar – Selenge Bodons: The Indian captain, Brar, has been in strong form for Selenge Bodons, averaging around 10 points per game while shooting efficiently from inside the arc. His leadership and 6’11” height make him one of the most important players India will want back for the qualifiers.
Sahaj Sekhon – Omni Erdenet Miners: Of the five, Sekhon is the only player confirmed to have already left Mongolia to join the Indian camp. The 6’4” point guard has been one of the standout performers in the Mongolian league, registering strong scoring nights and showcasing his playmaking skills. His team recently announced his departure and thanked him on social media for being part of the Erdenet Miners family. However, it is unclear whether he will rejoin the Mongolian side after the World Cup qualifiers.
Crucial International Window for India
India’s fixtures against Saudi Arabia are expected to be high-stakes, physical matchups, making the return of its top overseas players all the more important.
If a majority of the remaining players are also called up to the national team, India enters the World Cup Asian Qualifiers window with its strongest pool of overseas-tested talent in history.
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