The 2026 Senior 3×3 National Basketball Championships produced two gripping title matches and a week of high-tempo, high-pressure basketball that underlined why 3×3 is becoming one of India’s most exciting formats.
Tamil Nadu successfully defended their men’s crown with a dramatic last-second basket, while Kerala claimed the women’s title after a composed final against Indian Railways.
With medals decided in both categories and several young players announcing themselves, the tournament also provided a timely reminder that India’s 3×3 programme has the depth and intensity required to compete on the continental stage.
Men’s final: Tamil Nadu hold their nerve in a classic
The men’s final was a repeat of last year’s showdown, and once again it was Tamil Nadu vs Uttar Pradesh with the title on the line. What followed was a contest that perfectly captured the drama of 3×3 basketball fast, physical, and decided by a single moment. Tamil Nadu led for most of the contest, using their ball movement and shot selection to keep Uttar Pradesh under pressure. But UP refused to go away. Time and again they clawed their way back, making it a one-possession game deep into the final minute.
With the score locked and only seconds remaining, Arvind produced the defining play of the tournament. Spotting a narrow opening, he rose and drained the game-winning basket, sealing the title for Tamil Nadu and sparking celebrations on the court. It was the kind of clutch moment that every 3×3 final dreams of — one player, one shot, one championship.
Final standings (Men)
🥇 Tamil Nadu, 🥈 Uttar Pradesh & 🥉 Indian Railways
For Uttar Pradesh, the loss was heartbreaking but also a sign of how far the team has come. They were never allowed to settle into the contest early but fought back relentlessly, showing composure and resilience that will serve them well in future international-style competitions.
Kerala dominate the women’s draw
In the women’s competition, Kerala produced a commanding tournament run and capped it with a confident performance in the final against Indian Railways. The matchup was physical and competitive, but Kerala’s ability to control tempo and finish under pressure made the difference.
Indian Railways pushed hard, but Kerala’s structure and discipline allowed them to build separation at the right moments. By the closing stages, Kerala were firmly in control, closing out the game and lifting the national title.
Final standings (Women)
🥇 Kerala, 🥈 Indian Railways & 🥉 Delhi
Delhi completed the podium with the bronze medal after a strong showing through the knockout rounds, further emphasising the depth now present in Indian women’s 3×3 basketball.
The road to the finals was just as intense as the championship games.
Men’s quarterfinals
- Rajasthan bt Karnataka 18–17
- Tamil Nadu bt Goa 21–11
- Uttar Pradesh bt Chandigarh 21–12
- Indian Railways bt Madhya Pradesh 21–17
Men’s semifinals
- Tamil Nadu edged Rajasthan 21–17
- Uttar Pradesh stunned Indian Railways 17–16
UP’s semi-final win over Indian Railways was one of the most dramatic games of the tournament. With just four seconds remaining, UP scored the decisive basket to snatch a 17–16 victory and book their place in the final. That moment set the tone for what was always going to be a fierce championship clash against Tamil Nadu.
On the women’s side:
Women’s quarterfinals
- Kerala bt Telangana 22–13
- Tamil Nadu bt Punjab 21–7
- Indian Railways bt Uttar Pradesh 22–5
- Delhi bt Maharashtra 21–11
Women’s semifinals
- Kerala held off Delhi 21–18
- Indian Railways beat Tamil Nadu 20–18
The semifinals showed how tight the women’s competition has become, with both matches going down to the wire.
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Beyond the medals, the tournament also carried a bigger message for Indian basketball. The speed, physicality and decision-making on display in the men’s and women’s brackets showed just how suited Indian athletes are to the 3×3 format.
With the Asian Games and continental competitions in mind, this championship provided a clear blueprint. A core men’s unit built around players such as Harsh, Kushal, Pranav, Lokendra and Sahaj training together, playing international friendlies and developing chemistry could give India a genuine shot at an Asian podium.
The final between Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh was not just a domestic title fight. It looked and felt like international 3×3 tight possessions, clutch shooting, and teams trading momentum in a compressed, high-pressure environment.
A tournament that raised the bar
From Arvind’s title-winning basket to Kerala’s composed march to gold, the 2026 Senior 3×3 Nationals delivered everything the format promises: drama, speed and unforgettable moments. For Indian basketball, it was more than just another championship. It was a statement that 3×3 in India has matured and that with the right structure and investment, these players can translate national success into continental medals.
