India will host 4th South Asian Basketball Championship in Bengaluru

After a few months of bad news for Indian basketball domestically and abroad, there is finally something to feel encouraged about. FIBA - the international basketball federation - has chosen India to play host to the 4th South Asian Basketball Championship, organized by the South Asian Basketball Association (SABA). The championship, scheduled to be held from July 3-5 at the Sri Kantaveera Stadium in Bengaluru, will determine which team from the SABA Zone will qualify for the 28th FIBA Asia Championship.

This year's FIBA Asia Championship is set to be held in Hunan, China, from September 23 to October 3.

Photo courtesy: Ekalavyas.com

Because of a leadership tussle atop the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), India were penalized by being 'frozen' by FIBA from participating in international events. Finally, FIBA recognized one of the fighting factions - led by K. Govindraj - as the rightful leadership body of the BFI, and now it seems that the relationship is on a mend as FIBA as handed India and the BFI the privilege of hosting this tournament. It will mend some wounds left behind earlier when Bengaluru was denied from hosting the U16 FIBA Asia Championship for Men.

According to The Hindu, the SABA Qualifiers were initially slated to be held in Bangladesh, but FIBA changed its plans with short notice to India. Last year's SABA Championship/Qualifiers were held in Kathmandu (Nepal) and won by India.

India finished 11th at the FIBA Asia Championship two years ago in Philippines, which was won by Iran.

The report on The Hindu further added that, in choosing India's roster before the SABA championship, the BFI is going ahead with its original selection of 25 probables made during the last National championship at Bhilwara (Rajasthan) in January. The probables have been called for a selection trial at Bengaluru on June 13 and 14, where the list will be cut to 16 in preparation for the tournament ahead.

UPDATE: List of teams participating at the 4th South Asian Basketball Championship:

• India
  
• Bangladesh
  
• Bhutan
  
• Maldives
  
• Nepal
  
• Sri Lanka