The Indian Women Basketball Team is all set for one of its most crucial international assignments in recent years as it prepares to battle for promotion at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 Division B, to be held in Shenzhen, China, from July 13 to 20, 2025.
For a team with a proud but fluctuating continental history, this tournament represents more than just games it’s a chance to reclaim a place among Asia’s elite and prove that India’s women’s basketball can sustain itself at the top.
Promotion or Bust: The High-Stakes Format
The stakes could not be clearer: only the Division B champion will move up to Division A for the next cycle in 2027. There is no second chance, no fallback qualification. In contrast to Division A, where the top six earn World Cup qualifying slots, Division B has only one prize promotion.
This makes every game a must-win, especially in the knockout rounds, which follow the group stage. With the entire event hosted at the impressive Shenzhen Bay Sports Center alongside Division A games, India’s players will get a taste of big-stage conditions but so will every rival, especially those with recent Division A experience.
India’s Group: Familiar Foes and New Faces
Placed in Group A, India will face Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, and Tahiti. Each opponent brings unique challenges.
- Chinese Taipei stands out as the group’s clear favorite. Relegated from Division A for the first time since 1984, they have the depth and experience to test India’s tactical maturity.
- Kazakhstan is no stranger either India famously beat them in the 2017 Division B final to earn promotion last time. But Kazakhstan’s physicality and reliable post play remain threats.
- Tahiti, unranked by FIBA, is an Oceania champion but relatively inexperienced at the Asian level. This should be India’s chance to secure a dominant win and boost point differential.
Road to Shenzhen: Momentum from SABA
India arrives with renewed belief after sweeping the SABA Qualifiers in New Delhi earlier this year. They posted lopsided wins over Nepal (113–32) and Maldives (twice: 113–25 and 107–32), showcasing a clear gap at the South Asian level. The real question now: can this dominance translate to tougher opposition?
Historically, India has been caught in a cycle promoted to Division A only to be relegated again a few years later, as seen in 2017 (promotion) and subsequent finishes (8th in both 2019 and 2021). Breaking that ‘yo-yo’ trend will be key to proving that Indian women’s basketball is ready to sustain itself among Asia’s top eight.
Who’s Leading the Charge?
Head Coach Baskar Sappaniambalam, who guided India at the 2022 Asian Games, brings continuity and a proven system. Supported by assistant coaches Manisha Dange and Rohit Kumar Legend, Baskar’s style focuses on aggressive offense and disciplined defense traits that were evident in the team’s huge SABA margins.
The squad is a deliberate mix of experience and fresh legs. Here are some names to watch:
- Sreekala Rani (Captain, SG): The Kerala sharpshooter has been in stellar form, leading Kerala to the National Championship final and topping the SABA scoring charts with 16.7 PPG. Her Asia Cup Division A experience will be crucial.
- Dharshini Thirunavukkarasu (PG, Vice-Captain): MVP of the National Championship and a proven floor general, Dharshini brings leadership and clutch scoring.
- Siya Deodhar (PG): A product of NBA Academy India and a 3×3 Asian Games rep, Siya embodies India’s next-gen ambition.
- Krithika Sureshbabu (C) and Pushpa Senthil Kumar (C) anchor the post, providing rebounding muscle.
- Sathya Krishnamurthi (PG) and Sanjana Ramesh (SF) add playmaking versatility and scoring depth.
The roster’s notable frontcourt strength five centers listed shows India’s intent to control rebounds and protect the paint, vital for matches against Kazakhstan’s tall lineup and Taipei’s aggressive driving guards.
Key Group Stage Dates
1️⃣ July 13 vs Kazakhstan: A tricky opener. Kazakhstan is physical and disciplined but beatable if India can win the rebound battle and push the pace.
2️⃣ July 14 vs Chinese Taipei: The group decider. Taipei’s core led by Yu-Ting Lin (14 PPG in the 2023 Division A) and bigs like I-Hsiu Cheng will test India’s defensive shape and composure. An upset here would send shockwaves through Division B.
3️⃣ July 16 vs Tahiti: The final group match. Tahiti is unlikely to match India’s depth but could be unpredictable. A big win here could be vital for tiebreakers.
Chinese Taipei: Asia’s perennial top-eight side until now. They have depth, Division A polish, and a point to prove after relegation. Expect a sharp, well-drilled side with speed and perimeter shooting.
Kazakhstan: Known for rugged post play and reliable scorers like Tamara Kuzmina-Yagodkina and Anna Bezgodova. They’ve been nearly there for years always a tough out.
Tahiti: The Oceania wildcard. Gold medallists at the 2023 Pacific Games but facing a steep jump in standard here. Expect a fighting spirit but limited exposure to top-tier Asian opposition.
Bigger Than Just Results
For India, this campaign is about more than one promotion. It’s about showing that they belong at the top consistently. The Asia Cup Division A is where World Cup qualifying spots live missing out means another cycle away from the global stage.
A strong showing in Shenzhen would also raise the team’s profile at home, potentially driving support for more robust women’s leagues and pathways for young players.
All games are live on FIBA’s YouTube channel and Courtside 1891, ensuring Indian fans can follow every moment. For a team that doesn’t often get the limelight, this is a welcome chance for greater visibility.
The Road Ahead
India knows the job isn’t easy one slip in a knockout game can undo an entire year’s work. But with a balanced roster, momentum from SABA, and a clear target in sight, the Sr. Women’s Team has the tools to make it happen.
The challenge now is to turn promise into performance and rewrite the story of Indian women’s basketball from a team that bounces between divisions to one that stays and fights with Asia’s best.
The mission is clear: Win, rise, and stay risen. Shenzhen awaits.
🇮🇳🏀 Let the campaign begin.
