What is India's best-ever finish in FIBA Asia Cup? All you need to know

India have been among the weakest sides in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.

The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 will take place from August 5 to 17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 16 teams are participating in the tournament, with Australia being the defending champions.

India is placed in Group C along with hosts Saudi Arabia, China, and Jordan. They will play once against all teams in their group and will look to advance to the next round.

Since 1965, the Indian basketball team has participated in every edition of the FIBA Asia Cup except 1993 and 1999. In 178 games, they have secured victories in 71 of them.

Although India haven’t secured a podium finish so far, they came close in the 1975 edition, which took place in Bangkok, Thailand. They had a fourth-place finish in a 13-team competition, which saw China emerge as champions.

The Gulam Abbas Moontasir-led India was pitted alongside Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Kuwait, and Sri Lanka in Group B. In their first fixture, they suffered a 126-61 defeat at the hands of South Korea, followed by a 99-81 loss to Japan.

However, India opened their account by securing a 90-78 win over Kuwait. They continued their momentum by registering a 109-86 victory against Malaysia. In their last league game, India beat Sri Lanka 135-86 to qualify for the championship stage.

However, India secured only two wins in five games and finished in fourth place. Notably, they prevailed over the Philippines with a scoreline of 113-69 and beat Thailand 83-74.

How did India qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025?

India was part of Group E in the West region of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers. The top two teams from each were guaranteed a spot in the showpiece event. Unfortunately, India could win only one of their six games and failed to qualify for the continental event.

However, they had a final chance at the Final Qualifying Tournament in March 2025, which took place in Bahrain. Six third-placed teams from the earlier round of the Qualifiers were divided into two groups, with four spots for grabs.

India were placed alongside Iran and host Bahrain in Group H. In their first fixture, they beat Iran 97-77. Then, India secured a thrilling 81-77 victory over the Bahrain side to confirm their qualification for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. As a result, they have also entered the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

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