India secured titles in both the boys’ and girls’ categories at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 South Asian Basketball Association (SABA) Qualifiers held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, over the weekend.
The India U18 Girls Team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating Sri Lanka and Maldives in the group stage before overcoming Sri Lanka 83-57 in the final. The victory secured India’s qualification for the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Division B, scheduled to be held in Bangkok from July 13 to 19.
In the boys’ competition, India defeated Sri Lanka 78-56 in the final to finish as the top-ranked team in the sub-zone. As hosts of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 to be held in Ahmedabad from August 13 to 23, India had already qualified for the continental tournament. Sri Lanka also secured a place in the competition, while Maldives finished third after defeating Bangladesh 62-59.
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The Indian contingent was led by Sentiningsang Longkumer, Honorary Secretary of the Nagaland Basketball Association, who served as Head of Delegation and manager of the girls’ team.
Longkumer’s appointment to the national contingent reflects the growing involvement of officials from Nagaland in Indian basketball administration.
India’s performances in Colombo come ahead of the country’s hosting of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, which will return to India after more than two decades.
