Indian to play in FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers

MUMBAI: The Indian men's basketball team is in with a good chance to qualify for next year's FIBA Asia Cup as it takes on Saudi Arabia and Palestine in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday and Saturday.

Five teams that finished third in their respective groups first qualifying round — Chinese Taipei (Group B), Guam (Group C), India (Group D), Saudi Arabia (Group E), and Palestine (Group F) — will figure in the Second Qualifying round in two bio-bubbles in Saudi Arabia and Guam. Indonesia, who finished third in Group A got a direct berth as host of the event.

The five teams have been divided into two groups — Group H with India, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine and Group G will have Guam and Chinese Taipei. The top two from the three-team Group H will qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup to be held in Indonesia next year, while one team from Guam and Chinese Taipei will qualify for the tournament finals.

India will play Saudi Arabia on August 20 and take on Palestine the next day. Both matches will be played at King Abdullah Sports City Hall, Jeddah. Thirteen teams have already qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup in Indonesia next year and the three teams from this round will complete the 16-team field. IANS

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