Qatar defeated India 99-73 in Lusail on February 27.
Doha, Qatar: FIBA Asia has praised the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) for its cooperation and support during the recent Asian Qualifiers window for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
In an official letter addressed to QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughaiseeb and Secretary General Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, the regional office of the International Basketball Federation Asia expressed appreciation for the federation’s assistance following unexpected regional developments that disrupted the qualifiers.
The situation led FIBA to postpone all matches in Groups C and D, including Qatar’s scheduled clash with Saudi Arabia on March 2 at Lusail Multipurpose Hall. Other affected fixtures included Lebanon vs India in Group D, and Iran vs Syria as well as Iraq vs Jordan in Group C.
FIBA Asia Executive Director Hagop Khajirian commended the Qatari federation for facilitating the safe departure of the Indian national team, along with FIBA officials and referees, ensuring their secure return home.
He noted that the cooperation demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and responsibility among national federations in the region, while highlighting the professionalism and organizational standards shown by the Qatar Basketball Federation in managing regional competitions under exceptional circumstances.
Qatar had earlier opened its campaign in the second window of the qualifiers with a convincing 99-73 victory over India in front of a large crowd. Their postponed match against Saudi Arabia in Group D has been rescheduled for the start of the third window in June.
Group D remains tightly contested, with Lebanon, Qatar and Saudi Arabia level on five points, while India are fourth with three points.
The Asian and Oceanian qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top three sides from each group advancing to the second round. From there, three teams from each group, along with the best fourth-placed team overall, will qualify for the World Cup finals.
