The Indian U16 Women’s 3×3 basketball squad enters the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Manama, Bahrain, riding a wave of confidence and momentum.
After an undefeated 5-0 run that earned them the FIBA U16 Asia Division B Championship title earlier this year, this group of young athletes, led by Head Coach Anitha Pauldurai, has transformed from promising prospects into serious continental challengers. The Bahrain event, scheduled from October 22–31, marks more than just a return of the Asian Youth Games after a 12-year hiatus it represents India’s most significant opportunity yet to qualify for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar through valuable FIBA 3×3 ranking points.
For India’s basketball program, the Asian Youth Games are a cornerstone of the country’s youth sports development. The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has emphasized this event as a pathway toward long-term Olympic aspirations. The team’s success in Bahrain will directly impact India’s 3×3 global ranking, determining qualification prospects for the Youth Olympics.
Backing from the BFI, under President Aadhav Arjuna, has been substantial from world-class training infrastructure and nutritional support to financial aid and academic backing. This holistic approach is finally paying off.
Earlier this year, India’s U16 women’s squad delivered a breakout campaign in the FIBA Asia Division B Championship, defeating Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Iran en route to the title. The thrilling 67–66 victory over Iran in the final led by Viha Reddy Jonnalagadda’s 21 points showcased the team’s mental toughness and clutch performance under pressure.
That experience now translates to the 3×3 format, a faster, more physical game that rewards decision-making, stamina, and team chemistry all attributes this group has shown in abundance.
Meet the Core Four: India’s Strategic Pillars
India’s 3×3 squad features four core players who bring complementary skill sets and well-defined tactical roles.
Viha Reddy Jonnalagadda: Captain & Scoring Anchor
India’s captain and Division B MVP, Viha Reddy, leads by example with a powerful two-way game. Averaging 17.5 points per game and the highest efficiency rating (23.7) in Division B, she’s both the offensive centerpiece and defensive wall. Her elite finishing inside the arc and consistent double-doubles make her India’s primary scoring and rim-protection weapon.
In 3×3, where every possession counts, Viha’s ability to generate high-percentage shots without turnovers is invaluable. Her blend of strength, control, and leadership will define India’s tempo and confidence.
Mahek Sharma: The Rebounding Engine
Dominating the boards at the Asia Cup with nearly 14 rebounds per game, Mahek Sharma is India’s interior powerhouse. Her presence ensures second-chance points and limits opponent possessions a critical edge in the condensed half-court game. Named Best Center of the Tournament, Mahek’s relentless work rate and positioning turn defensive rebounds into quick transitions a vital aspect of 3×3 play.
Her chemistry with Viha forms the team’s interior spine a combination of muscle, control, and intelligence that few Asian teams can match.
Nethra Birudavolu: The Playmaking Architect
Standing 5’7”, Nethra Birudavolu orchestrates India’s offense with precision. Leading the Division B event in assists per game (5.8), she possesses exceptional court vision and timing.
In 3×3, where shot clocks reset to 12 seconds, quick decisions can make or break a possession. Nethra’s ability to balance tempo, find open shooters, and manage transitions makes her India’s tactical heartbeat. Expect her to be instrumental against pressing teams like Thailand and Mongolia, both known for aggressive perimeter defense.
Reva Amit Kulkarni: The Endurance Specialist
Reva Kulkarni is the team’s endurance engine, logging the most minutes and maintaining the best free-throw accuracy in the Asia Cup. Her stamina and consistency ensure India maintains performance levels through the tournament’s demanding double-header days. Scoring 13 points in the final against Iran, Reva proved her reliability under pressure. Her ability to stretch defenses and maintain composure in high-tempo sequences makes her a silent but crucial contributor.
At the helm is Coach Anitha Pauldurai, a former captain of India’s senior women’s team and gold medalist at the 2013 FIBA 3×3 Asian Championships. Her experience in the very format India now seeks to master gives her squad an unparalleled advantage.
Pauldurai’s strategy emphasizes adaptive gameplay controlling pace, exploiting mismatches, and rotating efficiently. She recognizes that modern youth basketball demands both speed and tactical intelligence, tailoring her approach to maximize India’s physical advantages inside while refining perimeter discipline. Her leadership extends beyond tactics. She instills belief.
Having guided this same group to the Division B title, Pauldurai has built both technical cohesion and emotional trust essential for success in a sport decided in just 10 minutes of intensity.
Fixtures and Tactical Outlook
India’s campaign unfolds in two strategic phases:
Tier 2: Must-Win Matches (October 24)
Opponents: Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, Maldives 🇲🇻, Palestine 🇵🇸
These opening games are expected victories opportunities to fine-tune systems, manage player load, and build rhythm. India’s past record against these nations in both 5v5 and 3×3 formats shows a wide competitive gap. The focus here will be efficiency winning with controlled aggression while resting key players.
Tier 1: The True Tests (October 26)
Opponents: Mongolia 🇲🇳, Indonesia 🇮🇩, Thailand 🇹🇭
This is where India’s tactical maturity will be tested.
- Mongolia, an Asian 3×3 powerhouse, thrives on quick ball movement and perimeter shooting. India must counter with physical interior play, minimizing open 2-point attempts.
- Indonesia, a familiar rival from the Division B semi-finals, will look to avenge their previous defeat. Defensive containment of their drive-heavy offense will be key.
- Thailand brings speed and transition aggression a challenge that will test India’s stamina and shot selection.
Winning at least one of these Tier 1 games is critical for a high knockout seeding and for maximizing FIBA ranking points the currency of Youth Olympic qualification. With six games in just three days, workload management is as vital as strategy. Physio Reshma Senthilkumar plays a key role in recovery protocols ice therapy, hydration, and active stretching between matches.
The rest day (October 25) will be crucial for recharging before the Mongolia-Thailand double challenge. Rotations during Tier 2 matches should cap Viha and Mahek’s playtime to around 70%, preserving energy for the deciding fixtures. India’s journey in Bahrain is about more than medals it’s about momentum. Every basket, rebound, and victory in Manama contributes to the nation’s FIBA 3×3 Youth Ranking, pushing India closer to the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar.
With a proven coaching brain, statistically dominant players, and renewed institutional backing, this team stands at the threshold of something significant.Their mission is not just to compete but to announce India’s arrival as a 3×3 basketball contender in Asia.
When the whistle blows in Manama, expect these four young women Viha, Mahek, Nethra, and Reva to bring both grit and grace to the court, carrying the weight of a nation that’s ready to believe in basketball again.
