Historic FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers Debut in Gujarat Draws Packed Crowd at Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium, Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Gujarat | July 2026 :Gujarat proudly witnessed a historic sporting milestone as the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers were hosted for the first time in the state’s history at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium, Ahmedabad. The opening fixture between India and Qatar marked a landmark moment for basketball in Gujarat and further strengthened the state’s growing reputation as a premier sporting destination in India.
The international contest attracted a packed stadium, with basketball enthusiasts, dignitaries, sports administrators, and prominent citizens of Ahmedabad gathering to witness this prestigious event. The enthusiastic atmosphere and overwhelming response from fans highlighted Gujarat’s capability to successfully host world-class sporting competitions.
The Indian basketball team delivered a spirited performance and dominated large portions of the contest before eventually going down 65-56 to Qatar in their fifth FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers Group D match.
India started strongly, with Harsh Dagar opening the scoring through a three-pointer as the hosts raced to a 5-0 lead and finished the first quarter ahead 12-7. The momentum continued in the second quarter as Pranav Prince contributed eight points, including two three-pointers, helping India outscore Qatar 18-15 and take a commanding 30-22 lead at halftime.
The home side maintained its advantage well into the third quarter and remained in front until approximately the 33rd minute of the game. However, Qatar mounted an impressive comeback, reducing the deficit to 44-42 by the end of the third quarter before carrying the momentum into the final period.
Led by Abdulrahman Saad, who scored a game-high 24 points, Qatar completed the turnaround in the fourth quarter to secure a 65-56 victory. For India, Harsh Dagar and Pranav Prince emerged as the standout performers with 13 points each, earning praise for their efforts and determination throughout the contest.
While the result ended India’s hopes of qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the team’s performance showcased tremendous fighting spirit against a strong Qatari side. India, currently ranked 76th in the world, have now played five Group D matches, while Qatar are ranked 78th globally.
India are one of 16 teams competing in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers and have been placed in Group D alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Across the globe, a total of 80 teams from the FIBA regions of Africa, Asia and Oceania, Europe, and the Americas are competing through multiple qualification windows for a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The successful organization of this historic event was made possible through the collective efforts of FIBA, the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), the Gujarat State Basketball Association (GSBA), and the dedicated technical team of BFI, whose meticulous planning ensured flawless execution of all operational and competition-related arrangements.
The Government of Gujarat and the Sports Authority of Gujarat extended tremendous support throughout the planning and execution of the tournament. Their commitment to sports development has played a significant role in bringing an international event of this stature to Gujarat and reinforcing the state’s position as an emerging sports hub of India.
Players, coaches, officials, and international delegates expressed their appreciation for the world-class facilities, professional event management, excellent playing conditions, and warm hospitality experienced during their stay in Gujarat.
The excitement continues at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium as India will take on world No. 33 Lebanon, the highest-ranked team in Group D, on Sunday, 5 July 2026, at 8:30 PM. Basketball fans are expected to once again turn out in large numbers to support Team India and celebrate the spirit of international basketball in Gujarat.
The successful hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers is a matter of immense pride and joy for Gujarat and stands as a testament to the state’s growing capability to host major international sporting events. The tournament has further strengthened Gujarat’s identity as a leading sports destination and demonstrated its readiness to welcome global competitions in the future.