India Make Big Moves in Latest FIBA Rankings; Joginder Singh Bids Farewell to International Basketball
The Indian men’s basketball team has scripted a remarkable leap in the latest FIBA World Rankings, climbing five places to secure the 76th position globally and 15th in Asia as of March 28, 2025.
This surge in the rankings follows India’s impressive run in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, signaling a renewed energy and upward trajectory for the sport in the country.
This is India’s highest world ranking since March 2021, marking a significant moment for Indian basketball. It not only reflects the progress on the court but also the impact of strategic development, growing domestic talent, and increased exposure to international competition.
Strong Showing in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
India’s performance in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers played a pivotal role in this rise. The team showcased improved cohesion, disciplined defense, and more effective offensive sets — a sign of maturing under pressure. Young stars combined with experienced campaigners to take down higher-ranked teams and push stronger sides to the edge.
This positive run has helped India break away from the lower tier of Asian teams, jumping ahead of nations like Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Qatar, and closing in on teams like Kazakhstan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
A Farewell to a Legend: Joginder Singh Retires
Adding an emotional note to India’s rise is the retirement announcement of veteran point guard Joginder Singh Saharan, one of the most respected figures in Indian basketball over the last decade.
Joginder has been the engine of India’s backcourt, known for his court vision, hustle, and leadership. Representing India in multiple editions of the FIBA Asia Cup, the Asian Games, and the Commonwealth Games, he brought consistency and professionalism to a team often seen as an underdog.
At his peak, Joginder was instrumental in India’s historic win over China in the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup — a game that continues to be a defining moment in Indian basketball history. His ability to control the tempo, deliver clutch plays, and rally the team in tough moments made him a natural leader.
With his retirement, India loses a steady head on the floor, but his legacy will inspire a new generation of guards to take up the mantle.
A Look at the Asian Basketball Landscape
While Australia (7th in the world) and Japan (21st) continue to lead the Asian basketball scene, India’s recent progress reflects the narrowing gap in the second and third tiers of the continent. India now sits above Indonesia (79th) and Qatar (87th), and just a few points behind Chinese Taipei (73rd) and Syria (71st).
This provides a clear roadmap: consistent participation in international fixtures, more domestic league exposure, and grassroots investment can fuel India’s push into the top 70 globally.
The Road Ahead
The rise in rankings is more than a statistic — it’s a morale booster for Indian basketball fans and players alike. The focus now shifts to the final rounds of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, where India will aim not just to compete, but to challenge established teams and continue climbing the ladder.
As Indian basketball turns the page on a legend like Joginder Singh, it does so with hope, energy, and a clearer sense of purpose. The rankings jump is a milestone — but perhaps only the beginning of a new chapter in Indian hoops.
