Indian Basketball Teams had a tough outing in the FISU 2025
What is FISU?
FISU (International University Sports Federation) is the global governing body for university sports. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, it organizes and oversees international competitions for student-athletes worldwide.
History of FISU
University sports competitions trace their roots to the 1890s, evolving alongside the early modern Olympic movement. In the 1920s and 1930s, France hosted key events like the International Universities Championships and the Summer Student World Championships. These led to the formation of the International University Games in the 1930s, which were interrupted by World War II.
FISU was formally founded in 1949 to govern national university sports organizations worldwide. The first official Universiade now known as the FISU World University Games was launched in 1959 in Torino, Italy, with 985 athletes from 45 countries across seven sports. The Universiade introduced the iconic ‘U’-shaped FISU flag and adopted ‘Gaudeamus Igitur’ as its medal ceremony anthem.
Held biennially in odd-numbered years, the Games include Summer and Winter editions. In 2020, the Universiade was officially rebranded as the FISU World University Games.
FISU offers global exposure to student-athletes aged 17 to 25, promoting academic and athletic excellence while fostering intercultural connections. Its motto, “Excellence in Mind and Body,” champions leadership, global citizenship, and holistic well-being. Today, the FISU World University Games are the second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, drawing thousands of student-athletes globally and playing a key role in university sports development.
India at FISU: History and Evolution
Humble Beginnings
India first participated in the Universiade in 1959 in Turin with small delegations, primarily in athletics and select team sports. The journey was challenging, marked by limited infrastructure, low exposure, and inadequate training systems. Student-athletes often balanced academics and sports without institutional support.
Early Highlights and Medals
India’s first wrestling medal came in 1973 with Sambadi Boroute’s bronze. In 1979, Nandan Bal won silver in tennis India’s first overall Universiade medal. Harveen Sarao made history in 2007 with India’s first gold in shooting (10m air pistol) and a team bronze. Archery medals followed in 2011 (bronze) and 2015 (mixed team silver), while Inderjeet Singh won shot put silver in 2013.
The Shift Towards Success (2000s Onward)
The 2000s marked a shift, with improved university championships, elite training centers, and better alignment between university and national sports systems. Sports like archery, shooting, wrestling, and athletics began to thrive at this level.
Notable Achievements (2015–2019)
India made major strides:
•2015: Inderjeet Singh claimed gold in shot put (20.27m).
•2017: Sanjivani Jadhav took silver in 10,000m.
•2019: Dutee Chand won gold in the 100m sprint.
Shooting stars included Elavenil Valarivan (silver), Angad Vir Singh Bazwa (bronze), and the 10m Air Rifle Women’s team (bronze).
The Chengdu Revolution (2021 Games held in 2023)
India achieved its best-ever FISU Games result: 11 gold, 5 silver, and 10 bronze a total of 26 medals total.
This success stemmed from targeted AIU-led selection, partnerships with national federations (especially in shooting and archery), scientific coaching, sports psychology, and grassroots initiatives like the Khelo India University Games.
The FISU Games are now seen as attainable for Indian athletes, often leading to senior team or Olympic breakthroughs. Future goals include broader success in athletics, wrestling, badminton, swimming, and table tennis, with a focus on strengthening women’s teams and targeting a Top-5 global finish.
Rhine-Ruhr 2025: Expanded Participation
The 2025 Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany marked a new milestone with India’s largest-ever contingent: Over 300 student-athletes from 60+ universities across 18 sports, including debut entries in 3×3 basketball and para events.
Although the medal count (2 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze) was lower than Chengdu, the breadth of participation reflected the growing investment in university-level sports.
India’s Basketball at FISU
India has competed in men’s basketball at FISU since 1959. The women’s team debuted in 2025. FISU offers a critical platform for skill development, cultural exchange, and international exposure for student-athletes. Participation aligns with FISU’s values of balancing academics with athletic growth.
At Rhine-Ruhr 2025, India competed in both 5×5 and 3×3 formats. Facing elite global opposition, including powerhouse Baylor University (USA), the teams gained invaluable experience despite tough results.
Indian Men’s Basketball Team – Roster & Staff
Captain: Krishnapalsinh Gohil (Gujarat)
Guards: Krishnapalsinh Gohil, Anshuman Shekhawat, Yash Singh, Jeshua Pinto, Arjun Yadav, Nathan Bhilla, Sangeeth Pandi, Suganthan Balakrishnan
Forwards: Lokesh Sharma, Kirtiraj Chundawat
Centers: Ankesh Prashar, Mohammad Ishan
Players hailed from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Goa, MP, Maharashtra, Telangana, Bihar.
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach: Ram Kumar (Dhyan Chand Awardee)
- Assistant Coach: Lokesh Mohan (Jain University)
- Psychologist: Stalin Raphel (St. Joseph’s College, Irinjalakuda)
- Ops Support: Soumya Joseph (Christ University), Sujith S. Nair (NUALS, Kochi)
Training Camp: 15-day intensive program at Starting Five RSC Academy, Kochi, organized by Mahatma Gandhi University.
India’s Group & Results (Men)
Group B: USA (Baylor), Romania, Latvia, India
- vs USA: Lost 111–52
- vs Romania: Lost 108–73
- vs Latvia: Lost 114–55
Key insights:
India faced challenges in execution, ball handling, rebounding, and defense. However, scoring 52 points vs Baylor (NCAA Division 1) is a benchmark moment. The campaign highlighted the gap but also the developmental potential.
Women’s Basketball Team – Roster & Staff
Captain: Yashika Singhal (Rajasthan)
Squad: Yashika Singhal, Sonal Mahala, Manvi Srivastava (Rajasthan) Akshaya Philip, Sandra Francis (Kerala), Jeevika Kumar, Tejasri M. Kumar (Tamil Nadu), Riya P. Kunghadkar, Sanjana Pinto (Maharashtra), Priyanka Behal (Punjab), Anju (Haryana) & Prashitha Shetty (Karnataka)
Coaching Team:
- Head Coach: C.V. Sunny (former India captain)
- Assistant Coach: Johnson Thomas (Kerala State Sports Council)
- Head of Delegation: Dr. Binu George (MG University)
India’s Group & Results (Women)
Group A: Czechia, Argentina, Finland, India
- vs Czechia: Lost 137–33
- vs Argentina: Lost 86–57
- vs Finland: Lost 117–35
The results reflected the skill and physicality gap, but the games served as vital learning experiences.
India’s basketball campaign at FISU 2025 was challenging but invaluable. Competing against top-tier teams like Baylor University and national-level European squads offered a benchmark for Indian players and coaches alike. While wins were elusive, the exposure to elite competition cannot be replicated in domestic circuits. The campaign emphasized the need for:
•International exposure
•Enhanced coaching systems
•Structured grassroots-to-university pipelines
•Better domestic infrastructure
With consistent participation and focused development, India’s university basketball program can evolve to meet global standards in the years ahead.
