In a significant test ahead of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Finals, the Indian men basketball team played two friendly matches against Qatar in Doha.
The two games offered a mixed bag of results but also valuable lessons for the team as it gears up for tougher challenges later this year, including the FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers where India has been drawn alongside Qatar, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.
Tough Start in the First Match
The opening encounter on Friday, July 11, proved to be a difficult outing for India as they went down 57-84 to the hosts at the Federation Hall of Al Gharafa Club. Qatar dominated right from the start, racing to a 26-6 lead in the first quarter and maintaining control throughout. Despite India’s efforts to close the gap, the home team’s cohesive play, guided by Turkish coach Hakan Demir, saw them finish with quarter scores of 38-23, 59-36, and ultimately 84-57.
The game was attended by key figures from the Qatar Basketball Federation, including President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mugheiseeb and Assistant Secretary-General Ahmed Yousef Mohammed Mubarak Al Darwish, who witnessed Qatar’s balanced and technically sound performance.
A Gritty Comeback in the Second Match
India showed commendable resilience in the second friendly, held on Sunday, July 13, again at Al Gharafa Arena. In a thrilling contest that stretched into double overtime, India edged out Qatar 97-95 in what turned out to be one of the camp’s most competitive fixtures.
The Indian team started strongly, winning the first quarter 14-11 and maintaining a narrow lead to go into halftime up 38-32. Qatar clawed back into the game in the third quarter, tying the score at 52-52. The fourth quarter remained tightly contested, ending 74-74 and pushing the game into overtime. The first overtime saw both sides locked at 87-87 before India finally managed to secure victory in the second overtime by just two points.
The match was played in an electric atmosphere, with Qatar’s basketball leadership and an engaged crowd adding to the intensity. For India, this game demonstrated the team’s improved defensive organisation, balanced offence, and ability to respond under pressure qualities that will be vital in upcoming continental competitions.
Building Towards Bigger Goals
These friendly games formed part of India’s broader preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The exposure tour also provided crucial match practice against a competitive side and an opportunity to fine-tune tactical systems while integrating new talent into the squad.
For Qatar, these matches concluded the second phase of their Asia Cup preparations, which began with a training camp in Turkey from June 19 to July 3. Meanwhile, the Indian team will look to build on the lessons from Doha as it readies for a demanding calendar that includes World Cup qualifying matches against some of Asia’s strongest teams.
The win in the second game, despite the earlier setback, underscores India’s potential and fighting spirit key qualities as the team works towards establishing itself more firmly on the Asian basketball stage.
