Lusail: The Qatar men's national basketball team began its journey in the second window of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup - Qatar 2027 with a significant win against India. The team secured a 99-73 victory in a match held on Friday evening at Lusail Multipurpose Hall. The event attracted an enthusiastic crowd, contributing to a competitive atmosphere throughout the game.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Asian and Oceanian Qualifiers comprise 16 teams divided into four groups. Group A includes Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Guam; Group B features Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan; Group C includes Iran, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq; and Group D consists of Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India. The top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, where they will be reorganized into two new groups. From these, three teams from each group, along with the best fourth-placed team, will qualify for the World Cup finals.
President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, commended the players' efforts, noting that the victory over India reflects the team's serious preparations for the upcoming stages. He highlighted the players' focus and tactical discipline, which contributed to their success. Secretary General of the Federation and Director of National Teams, Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, also praised the team's performance, emphasizing their ability to manage games professionally. He noted that the win strengthens Qatar's position in the group and boosts their confidence ahead of the crucial match against Saudi Arabia.