FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026: A Historic Return to Ahmedabad

The FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 is returning to India after 22 years, with Ahmedabad set to host the prestigious tournament from August 13 to 23. Kulvinder Singh Gill, Secretary General of the Basketball Federation of India, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the city's world-class infrastructure and recent successes in regional competitions. With 16 teams participating, including defending champions Australia, the tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of young talent. The Indian team aims to leverage its home advantage for a better performance, while a professional league is planned for 2027 to enhance career opportunities for players. Don't miss the action-packed schedule leading up to the finals on August 23.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 23:46 IST

A Proud Moment for Indian Basketball

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 5: Kulvinder Singh Gill, the Secretary General of the Basketball Federation of India, expressed immense pride in announcing that Ahmedabad will host the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026. This marks a significant return of the tournament to India after a gap of 22 years.

Gill highlighted that the city's world-class facilities, recent achievements in regional tournaments, and ongoing talent development programs are set to elevate the sport. He also mentioned that a professional league is on the horizon for 2027, which could enhance career prospects for players.

The eagerly anticipated FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad from August 13 to 23.

“Hosting this championship after 22 years is a prestigious milestone for us. The newly constructed stadiums in Ahmedabad are exceptional and will greatly benefit Indian basketball and the state of Gujarat. Sixteen teams will compete, including the reigning champions, Australia, and the runners-up, New Zealand. Our Indian team reached the quarter-finals in the last Asian-Oceania Championship, and as hosts, we have been preparing diligently for this event,” Gill stated.

“We recently triumphed in the South Asian Championship, which gives us a home-court advantage, and we anticipate an improved performance compared to previous tournaments. Indian athletes are increasingly winning more medals at the Commonwealth Games, thanks to the close attention from the Prime Minister and the Union Sports Minister on how India can excel in future competitions, including the Olympics. The Basketball Federation of India has set up several academic centers, providing new players with free accommodation and education at quality schools. Additionally, we are excited to launch a professional league in early 2027, encouraging both current and aspiring players to consider basketball as a viable career option,” he added.

The tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four groups, competing in the 28th edition of this biennial event. The Group Phase will span six days from August 13 to 18, with four games scheduled each day.

Teams that finish at the top of their groups will secure direct entry into the Quarter-Finals, while those finishing second and third will enter the Qualification round for the Quarter-Finals.

The opening round of the Final Phase is set for August 20, followed by the Quarter-Finals the next day, with winners advancing to the Semi-Finals on August 22.

The top four teams will qualify for the prestigious FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027, taking place in Pardubice, Czechia, from June 26 to July 4, 2027.

Classification Rounds for positions 5-8 will also occur during this year's U18 tournament, starting on August 22, just before the Semi-Finals. Teams that lose in the Quarter-Finals will compete to salvage their pride.

The Final match is scheduled for August 23, preceded by Classification matches for 5-6, 7-8, and the Third-Place Game, ensuring an action-packed conclusion to the tournament.

Australia enters the competition as the defending champions, having won the 2024 edition held in Jordan.