DOHA
The Indian national basketball team finds itself stranded in Qatar after key fixtures in the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 were postponed amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The team had travelled to Doha to compete in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers when regional developments forced authorities to take safety precautions. On Saturday, India completed its Group D match against hosts Qatar, falling 73-99 in a competitive contest. The Indian side trailed by just two points at half-time before Qatar pulled away decisively in the third quarter.
In its closing stages, the Indian offence struggled to contain the Qatar attack, resulting in a significant victory for the hosts.
Qualifiers postponed due to security concerns
With ongoing attacks and threats in the region, the FIBA announced on Monday that all remaining Group C and Group D games scheduled for March 2 were postponed. This affected fixtures including Lebanon vs India and Qatar vs Saudi Arabia, among others.
FIBA said the postponed matches will now be played at the beginning of the next qualification window in late June, and that it remains in close contact with national federations to ensure safety and security of teams, officials and staff.
Team Safe but awaiting travel clearance
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has confirmed that the Indian squad is safe and secure in Doha, although international airspace disruptions mean they are currently unable to travel home. Coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Qatar to facilitate their return once conditions allow.
Players have reported they are safe and being accommodated securely in Doha while awaiting further updates on travel arrangements.
With the qualifiers now on hold and the next window moved to June, the team will remain in Qatar until travel and safety conditions improve.
Indian Basketball team stranded in Qatar as FIBA postpones World Cup Qualifiers
DOHA: The Indian national basketball team finds itself stranded in Qatar after key fixtures in the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 were postponed amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The team had travelled to Doha to compete in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers when regional developments forced authorities to take safety precautions. On Saturday, India completed its Group D match against hosts Qatar, falling 73-99 in a competitive contest. The Indian side trailed by just two points at half-time before Qatar pulled away decisively in the third quarter.
In its closing stages, the Indian offence struggled to contain the Qatar attack, resulting in a significant victory for the hosts.
Qualifiers postponed due to security concerns
With ongoing attacks and threats in the region, the FIBA announced on Monday that all remaining Group C and Group D games scheduled for March 2 were postponed. This affected fixtures including Lebanon vs India and Qatar vs Saudi Arabia, among others.
FIBA said the postponed matches will now be played at the beginning of the next qualification window in late June, and that it remains in close contact with national federations to ensure safety and security of teams, officials and staff.
Team Safe but awaiting travel clearance
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has confirmed that the Indian squad is safe and secure in Doha, although international airspace disruptions mean they are currently unable to travel home. Coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Qatar to facilitate their return once conditions allow.
Players have reported they are safe and being accommodated securely in Doha while awaiting further updates on travel arrangements.
With the qualifiers now on hold and the next window moved to June, the team will remain in Qatar until travel and safety conditions improve.
