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India’s FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup Dream Run Ends in Quarter-Finals Against New Zealand
India’s men’s basketball team put on a stunning show at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025, defeating higher-ranked teams before falling to New Zealand in the quarter-finals. A historic campaign that saw India break into the top eight for the first time since 2013.
India’s FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup Cinderella Story Ends in Quarter-Finals
The lights were bright, the stakes were high, and the Indian men's basketball team had already defied the odds. They took down powerhouses, silenced doubters, and pushed the limits of their game. But in the quarter-finals of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025, the dream run came to an end.
Battling world No. 22 New Zealand, the 67th-ranked Indian squad showed early promise, taking a 4-2 lead thanks to sharp shooting from Arvind Muthu and Harsh Dagar. But the Kiwis responded like champions, launching an 8-0 scoring run that turned the tide. India clawed back to 10-8, but New Zealand’s defense locked down, sealing a 21-11 victory and India’s exit from the tournament.
A Historic Campaign for India
Despite the loss, India’s giant-killing streak will be remembered. They stormed through the qualifiers with back-to-back victories over Macau China, South Korea, and the Philippines. Then, in the main draw, they pulled off a statement win against Chinese Taipei (21-18) and gave world No. 11 China a nail-biting contest, falling just short at 19-21.
For the first time in 12 years, the Indian men’s team broke into the top eight, matching their best-ever finish from 2013. Harsh Dagar led the scoring charts with 45 points across six games, followed by Arvind Muthu’s 32 points.
What’s Next for India’s 3x3 Basketball?
The loss to New Zealand might have ended this campaign, but it has set the stage for a new era in Indian 3x3 basketball. With a squad that fought till the final whistle and proved their mettle against higher-ranked teams, the future looks bright.
For now, the Indian warriors return home, heads held high, having inspired a generation of basketball hopefuls. The message is clear—India belongs on the big stage. The next time they step onto the court, they won’t just be the underdogs. They’ll be contenders.
source: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fiba-3x3-asia-cup-2025-basketball-india-quarter-final-report
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