Singapore, March 26, 2025 – The Indian men’s 3×3 basketball team delivered a dominant performance in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup Qualification rounds, securing two massive victories over higher-ranked opponents.
Led by the dynamic 20-year-old Harsh Dagar, India stunned South Korea 21-11 before steamrolling past Macau 21-6 in their second match of the day.
With these wins, India is now just one step away from qualifying for the Main Draw of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup. Their final qualification match will be against the Philippines on March 27 at 10:35 AM IST.
India Stuns South Korea in Opening Match (21-11)
The first match saw India (18th seed) take down South Korea (15th seed) in a result that sent shockwaves through the tournament. Despite being the lower-ranked team, India played aggressive, fast-paced basketball, capitalizing on Korea’s defensive lapses.
⭐ Star Performer: Harsh Dagar put on a masterclass, scoring crucial baskets and leading from the front. He sealed the win with a clutch two-pointer, highlighting India’s growing confidence in the format.
📝 Key Stats:
• India outscored Korea 21-11, winning with 3:21 left on the clock.
• The Indian defense shut down Korea’s shooting, limiting their key scorers.
• Quick ball movement and sharp shooting from inside and beyond the arc helped India control the game.
This victory marked India’s first-ever win against Korea in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, making it a historic moment for the team.
India Demolishes Macau in Second Match (21-6)
India continued its impressive form in the second match, crushing Macau 21-6 to make it two wins in two games. The team’s fast-paced offense and aggressive defense were on full display, completely overwhelming their opponents.
⭐ Key Highlights:
• India wrapped up the game in under 7 minutes, demonstrating their offensive firepower.
• Harsh Dagar once again led the charge, bringing his total tally for the day to 24 points.
• India’s defense forced multiple turnovers, preventing Macau from gaining any momentum.
The result solidified India’s position as a serious contender for a spot in the Main Draw.
Road to Qualification – A Showdown Against the Philippines
With both India and the Philippines sitting at 2-0, their matchup will determine who advances to the Main Draw of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025. While the Philippines have also defeated Korea and Macau, India has recorded a much higher winning margin, which could give them the psychological edge.
⏳ Next Match:
🏀 India 🇮🇳 vs Philippines 🇵🇭
📅 March 27, 2025
🕙 10:35 AM IST
🔑 Player to Watch: Harsh Dagar – The young star has been India’s top scorer so far and will be crucial against a strong Filipino team.
Tough Start for India’s Women’s 3×3 Team
While the men’s team enjoyed a strong start, the Indian women’s team suffered a setback, losing 6-17 to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong used speed and agility to negate India’s height advantage, making it difficult for the Indian defense to contain their fast breaks. On the other hand, the Indian team missed several easy buckets while going for offensive plays, allowing Hong Kong to take control of the game.
🔹 Final Score: India Women 6-17 Hong Kong Women
🔹 India suffers its first-ever defeat against Hong Kong at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup.
Despite this loss, the Indian women’s team still has opportunities to bounce back in the competition.
Understanding 3×3 Basketball and India’s Rising Status
3×3 basketball is a fast-paced variation of the traditional 5-on-5 format, played on a half-court with a single hoop. Each game lasts 10 minutes, or until a team scores 21 points. The 12-second shot clock forces quick decision-making, making the game highly intense and unpredictable.
India’s success in the 3×3 format is encouraging, as it requires speed, skill, and tactical awareness rather than just physical dominance. The team’s strong start in this tournament shows that India is adapting well to the format and could become a regular contender in international 3×3 competitions.
Final Thoughts – One Step Away from Glory
With two convincing wins and a historic victory against South Korea, India has shown tremendous potential in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup Qualification. However, the real test lies ahead against the Philippines. A victory would send them into the Main Draw, marking another significant milestone for Indian basketball.
Meanwhile, the women’s team will need to regroup after a tough loss and find ways to improve their finishing in the upcoming matches.
As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Harsh Dagar and his teammates to continue their dominant run and secure a spot in the next stage. Can India complete the job and qualify for the Main Draw? We’ll find out soon!
🇮🇳🔥 Let’s go, Team India! 🔥🇮🇳
