Punjab Steelers and Kochi Stars to represent India at FIBA Asia 3x3 Quest Final in Maldives

Less than two weeks after wrapping up victories at the 3x3 National Championship in Bengaluru, the two top teams from India - Punjab Steelers (Men) and Kochi Stars (Women) - now land in Male, Maldives, to take on the top 3x3 sides in the continent. The 2019 FIBA Asia 3x3 Quest Final will be held in Male from September 6-8, and the Indian sides will have an opportunity to qualify for the world 3x3 championship next month if they triumph in this event.

A number of star Indian players, including Amjyot Singh, Amritpal Singh, Geethu Anna Rahul, and more are at this event. Both the Steelers and the Star are seeded at 7th place in their respective groups.

Rosters

• Punjab Steelers: Amjyot Singh, Amritpal Singh, Arshpreet Singh Bhullar, Rajvir Singh Aujla.
• Kochi Stars: Geethu Anna Rahul, Smruthi Radhakrishnan, Surya PR, Sonumol Soman.

India's Groups - sourced via NBA India.

• Men: Punjab Steelers (India), Taipei Bears (Chinese Taipei), Arkhangai (Mongolia), Askar (Brunei).
• Women: Kochi Stars (India), Top Star (China), Maafannu (Maldives).

On paper, India is sending teams that should perform well in their groups. Featuring talents like Amjyot and Amritpal, India's Men should be favourites to make it out of their pool as toppers. The women's squad will probably face a big challenge against China's Top Star, but the return to action of national legend Geethu Anna Rahul should help the team's chances.

The champions of these finals in Maldives will book their place in the Elite 3x3 World Tour Masters in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) from October 18-19.