The Indian U16 women’s basketball team continued their impressive rise in Asian basketball, qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 in the 3×3 format with a stellar 5-1 record in the group stage.
Displaying a combination of precision, pace, and poise, the young cagers finished second in their pool, asserting themselves as one of the continent’s top emerging forces in youth basketball.
India began their campaign in dominant fashion, recording five consecutive wins before a narrow setback against Thailand. The results speak volumes about their efficiency and tactical adaptability across contrasting match scenarios:
- India 21–6 Sri Lanka
- India 21–14 Maldives
- India 21–6 Palestine
- India 21–15 Mongolia
- India 18–15 Indonesia
- India 9–15 Thailand
Four of these five wins came via the 21-point threshold rule, where the game ends automatically once a team reaches 21 points. This statistic underlines India’s offensive sharpness, quick transitions, and superior shot efficiency vital components in the high-tempo 3×3 format.
Their only defeat a 9–15 loss to Thailand served as a timely reminder of the need for tactical flexibility, particularly against disciplined defensive setups. Yet, finishing second in a challenging group featuring Asian regulars like Indonesia and Mongolia highlights India’s growing maturity in crunch situations.
Adapting to the 3×3 Demands
Unlike traditional 5×5 basketball, the 3×3 format demands rapid ball movement, physical resilience, and the ability to execute under constant pressure. Each game lasts only ten minutes or ends instantly upon a team reaching 21 points rewarding speed and efficiency over elaborate set plays. The Indian team’s success in Bahrain is no coincidence. It reflects the Basketball Federation of India’s (BFI) recent push to integrate the 3×3 discipline into its national developmental framework. The BFI’s decision to run dedicated 3×3 circuits and youth camps is paying off handsomely, as evidenced by the girls’ fluid play and confidence against both regional heavyweights and tactical teams.
Core Four: The Engine of India’s Success
India’s campaign in Manama has been powered by a consistent quartet of standout performers Viha Jonnalagadda, Mahek Sharma, Reva Kulkarni, and Nethra Birudavolu the same group that recently clinched the FIBA U16 Asia Cup Division B title in September 2025.
Their chemistry, forged through years of playing together, has seamlessly transitioned into the 3×3 environment:
- Viha Jonnalagadda, the team’s anchor and primary scorer, has been the offensive heartbeat. Her efficiency and presence in clutch moments mirror her performances in the 5×5 format, where she averaged 17+ points per game.
- Mahek Sharma, a rebounding powerhouse, provides India the crucial second-chance points and ensures possession control a make-or-break factor in 3×3 contests.
- Reva Kulkarni, a versatile guard, contributes consistent perimeter shooting and defensive intensity.
- Nethra Birudavolu, the playmaker, orchestrates the offense with maturity, ensuring that India’s pace remains controlled yet aggressive.
Together, they represent a new generation of Indian basketball — one that blends skill with structure and confidence with composure.
Key Learnings from the Group Stage
India’s performances in Manama reveal three defining takeaways:
- Offensive Efficiency and Quick Finishes: Reaching the 21-point mark in four games shows how effectively India can close out matches early. In a multi-game format, conserving energy while maintaining dominance is a strategic advantage.
- Resilience Under Pressure: The 18–15 win against Indonesia was a test of temperament. Despite being drawn into a low-scoring, possession-heavy contest, India’s ability to execute key plays late in the game showcased their mental toughness — a crucial trait for knockout rounds.
- Addressing Tactical Stagnation: The loss to Thailand exposed India’s vulnerability when opponents restrict their interior passing and deny easy 2-point shots. It’s a warning that against defensively disciplined teams like Iran in the quarterfinals, India must diversify their offensive routes and rely more on spacing and mid-range accuracy.
Quarterfinal Preview: India vs Iran A Rivalry Renewed
India’s quarterfinal opponent, Iran, adds an emotional layer to the narrative. The two teams last met in September’s FIBA U16 Asia Cup Division B Final, where India edged Iran 67–66 to clinch promotion to Division A. This time, the rivalry shifts to the fast-paced 3×3 court, where small margins and quick decisions define outcomes. Iran’s star player Mobina Bereihi, who scored 30 points in that 5×5 final, remains their biggest threat. For India, neutralizing her through constant defensive switches particularly with Jonnalagadda’s versatility will be key.
To prevail, India must:
- Dominate rebounds through Mahek Sharma.
- Maintain perimeter discipline to prevent 2-point conversions.
- Sustain scoring pressure through Jonnalagadda and Kulkarni’s consistency.
A win here would not only secure a semifinal spot but also move India closer to qualification for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics, where 3×3 basketball is a core event.
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India’s progress in Manama symbolizes more than on-court success it represents the fruition of a systematic shift in basketball development. The BFI’s emphasis on women’s basketball, combined with targeted investment in youth training, infrastructure, and exposure, is producing tangible results. Moreover, the growing visibility of these young athletes is slowly reshaping public perception. Performances like these help inspire grassroots participation and attract sponsors to a sport striving to carve its identity amid India’s cricket-centric landscape.
As India prepares for the knockout rounds, this young squad embodies the future a blend of skill, structure, and ambition. The Bahrain campaign, regardless of its final outcome, has already achieved one thing: it’s proven that Indian women’s basketball belongs on Asia’s main stage. India’s U16 women’s team has been dominant, disciplined, and daring traits that have carried them into the quarterfinals of the Asian Youth Games 3×3 Basketball 2025. With a 5-1 record, a strong core, and momentum on their side, the girls stand on the brink of something truly special.
Their next challenge Iran is both a test of strategy and spirit. But if their group-stage run is any indication, Team India is ready to rise again.
