India to take part in basketball tournament in Dubai in August

India's national basketball Men's team has accepted an invitation to take part in the inaugural B&B International Basketball Championship, set to be hosted by the Al Nasr Club in Dubai from August 20-27. India was among the first teams to confirm their participation in this competition. India is set to face other Asian national and club sides in this tournament.

Photo Courtesy: Ekalavyas.com

According to GulfNews.com, the only other national squad so far to be invited in the championship has been Iraq. Top club basketball sides from Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, South Korea, China and the Philippines by Al Nasr to Dubai.

Via GulfNews.com

"Having the Indian team in Dubai for this international competition is a huge achievement for us. We hope the Indian supporters come and back their team," B&B General Manager, Abdullah Murad told Gulf News.
"In the past we have seen the huge response Indian teams have got in Dubai and I am convinced it will be no different this time," he added.

Invitations have been sent out to the Kelantan Warriors from Kuala Lumpur, the Wollongong Hawks from New South Wales, Australia, two-time former Fiba Asia Champions Cup winners Al Hekmeh Sagesse from Lebanon, Changwon LG Sakers from South Korea, Dongguan New Century Leopards from China and Air21 Express team that plays in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Joining these international sides will be local teams Al Wasl and Al Nasr.
"We have narrowed down on some of the top teams in Asia as we want the general public to attend and enjoy wholesome family entertainment," Murad said.
"We are still in contact with other international club teams and there will be additions as we build up towards this competition," he added.

Photo Courtesy: Ekalavyas.com

The tournament will serve as a good practice ground for India, who will hope to shift their attention right after towards the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon (South Korea) starting from mid-September.

India will be hoping to continue their recent slate of basketball success in the South Asian region. Led by Head Coach Scott Flemming, India's Men team captured the gold medal at the Lusofonia Games in Goa in January and the victory at the 3rd South Asian Basketball Championship in Nepal, which secured their qualification for the FIBA Asia Cup.

The 5th FIBA Asia Cup will be held in Wuhan (China) in Mid-July, and that is Team India's next major basketball tournament, a month before the B&B International Championship in Dubai.