In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, India’s men’s basketball team secured its spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 with a hard-fought 81-77 victory over Bahrain in the final qualification round.
The win, achieved at Khalifa Sports City, marked India’s 11th consecutive appearance in the tournament, reinforcing its standing in Asian basketball.
This victory was particularly significant as India had lost its last four encounters against Bahrain. However, when it mattered most, the team, led by head coach Scott Flemming, delivered a clutch performance, holding the lead for 95% of the match before surviving a late scare.
Harsh Dagar Shines in a Breakout Performance
The undisputed star of the night was 20-year-old Harsh Dagar, whose phenomenal shooting carried India to victory. The Uttar Pradesh-born talent showcased his ability under pressure, finishing with:
• 28 points
• 6/8 three-pointers (75% accuracy)
• 4/5 two-pointers (80% accuracy)
• 2/2 free throws
Dagar missed only three shots in the entire game, displaying elite efficiency and composure beyond his years. His three-point shooting was especially crucial, as India once again relied on its perimeter accuracy to stay ahead of its higher-ranked opponents.
A Team Effort: Key Contributors
While Dagar stole the headlines, India’s win was a collective effort, with several players stepping up at crucial moments:
• Palpreet Singh Brar dominated the boards, grabbing 16 rebounds, ensuring India won the rebounding battle 48-26.
• Kanwar Sandhu provided scoring support with 15 points, helping to keep India’s offense balanced.
• Pranav Prince and Hafeez each contributed 11 points and 8 rebounds, while also combining for 8 assists.
• Arvind Krishnan hit a game-changing three-pointer in the final minutes and sealed the game with clutch free throws.
A Dramatic Fourth Quarter
India had built a 62-53 lead entering the final quarter, seemingly in control of the game. However, Bahrain mounted a comeback, led by Subah Azzam, who helped the hosts take a 77-75 lead with under two minutes left.
This was the defining moment of the match. Arvind Krishnan, displaying nerves of steel, took a screen and drilled a go-ahead three-pointer from the left wing, reclaiming the lead for India at 78-77.
Shortly after, he committed a turnover but redeemed himself with a crucial steal against Wayne Chism, allowing Hafeez to add a free throw and extend India’s lead to two.
With 11 seconds left, Bahrain had a final chance, but Pranav Prince forced a crucial turnover by deflecting an inbound pass. Krishnan then sank two free throws, sealing India’s victory and sparking celebrations on the court.
A Look at India’s Road to Qualification
India’s journey to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 was filled with ups and downs. The team struggled in the initial qualifying rounds but found its rhythm when it mattered most.
Qualification Round Results
• 🇮🇳 India vs Kazakhstan – 50-63 ❌
• 🇮🇳 India vs Iran – 53-86 ❌
• 🇮🇳 India vs Qatar – 53-69 ❌
• 🇮🇳 India vs Kazakhstan – 88-69 ✅
• 🇮🇳 India vs Iran – 55-106 ❌
• 🇮🇳 India vs Qatar – 61-81 ❌
Final Qualifying Round Results
• 🇮🇳 India vs Iraq – 97-77 ✅
• 🇮🇳 India vs Bahrain – 81-77 ✅
The two dominant wins over Iraq and Bahrain in the final round secured India’s place in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5-17.
India’s History in the FIBA Asia Cup
India first qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup main rounds in 1965 and has had some memorable performances over the years.
• Best-ever finish: 4th place (1975)
• Other strong finishes: 5th place (three times, last in 1981)
• Recent best performance: 8th place in 2015 (China), with three wins in the tournament
With the current squad showing tremendous potential, India will be looking to improve upon its recent performances at the Asia Cup.
A Big Step Forward for Indian Basketball
Key Takeaways from India’s Qualification
✅ Resilience Under Pressure – India held on to the lead for most of the match and showed composure despite Bahrain’s late rally.
✅ Clutch Performances – Arvind Krishnan’s late three-pointer and Pranav Prince’s defensive play secured the win in crunch time.
✅ Rebounding Dominance – India outrebounded Bahrain 48-26, thanks to Palpreet Singh Brar’s 16-rebound effort.
✅ Three-Point Shooting – India’s 14 made three-pointers proved to be the difference, with Harsh Dagar leading the way (6/8 from deep, 75%).
✅ Emerging Young Stars – The performances of Harsh Dagar, Pranav Prince, and Kanwar Sandhu indicate a bright future for Indian basketball.
What’s Next?
India’s qualification for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 is a significant achievement, but the real challenge begins now. The tournament will feature Asia’s best teams, including powerhouses like China, Iran, Australia, and the Philippines.
To compete at a higher level, India must:
• Improve its defense, especially against stronger, more physical teams.
• Continue developing young talents like Dagar, Prince, and Sandhu to build a strong core for the future.
• Work on consistency, particularly in closing out games against top opponents.
Final Thoughts
This historic qualification is a testament to India’s growing stature in basketball. Scott Flemming and his team have proven that India can compete at a high level, and with the right preparation, they can aim for a deep run at FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
As the team heads to Jeddah, fans across the country will be hoping for another breakthrough performance on the continental stage. Congratulations, Team India! 🇮🇳🏀🔥
