Indian basketball is set to reach a new milestone as the reigning national champions, Indian Railways, prepare to compete in the third edition of the FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia (WBLA). The tournament, which serves as the premier annual club competition for women’s basketball in the region, is scheduled to take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru from October 20 to 25.
This appearance marks the first time an Indian side has participated in the WBLA, placing the domestic powerhouse on a continental stage. The team faces a challenging opening schedule, with their campaign beginning on October 21 against the Japanese club Denso Iris. Head coach
Tournament Format and Competitive Outlook
The six participating teams have been organized into two groups based on the FIBA World Ranking for Women. The initial group phase will run from October 20 to 22, utilizing a single round-robin format to determine the standings. Indian Railways has been drawn into Group B alongside Denso Iris from Japan and the KB Stars from Korea, a pairing that the coaching staff recognizes as a significant test of the team's capabilities.
Following the conclusion of the group stage, the tournament will transition into a knockout phase. The top two teams from each group will advance to the crossover semifinals, while the third-placed teams will compete in a classification match to determine fifth and sixth place. These decisive fixtures are scheduled for October 24, leading up to the tournament final on October 25.
Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, P. Anitha noted that the team is currently finalizing its preparations, with a training camp planned in either Telangana or Bengaluru. Despite the strength of their opponents, the coaching staff remains focused on delivering a competitive performance. The other group, Group A, features Sichuan Yuanda Meile from China, Akari Sparks from the Philippines, and the Cathay Life Tigers from Taipei.
