3x3 Quest India 2026: A New Era for Basketball in India
Introduction to 3x3 Quest India 2026
On Tuesday, Tero Entertainment introduced the 3x3 Quest India 2026, an initiative supported by the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and endorsed by FIBA. This event aims to create a competitive pathway for aspiring young basketball players in India while establishing a vibrant sports-entertainment ecosystem around the dynamic Olympic format.
Event Details
Scheduled for September 12 and 13 at DLF Promenade - Emporio in New Delhi, the 3x3 Quest India 2026 is organized by Tero Entertainment and Tero India, with backing from FIBA, BFI, and the Delhi Basketball Association (DBA). During a press conference, leaders from Tero Entertainment and key figures from India's sports community gathered to present the vision, format, and roadmap for 3x3 basketball in India. The event also showcased the official trophy and jersey for the 3x3 Quest India 2026.
Understanding the 3x3 Format
Differing from traditional five-on-five basketball, 3x3 is played on a half-court with a rapid 12-second shot clock. Each game lasts 10 minutes or concludes when a team scores 21 points. This fast-paced, high-energy game emphasizes skill and technique, blending elite athleticism with street culture. Since its Olympic introduction at Tokyo 2020, 3x3 has gained popularity, captivating audiences at Paris 2024 and expanding from eight to twelve teams for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
India's Potential in 3x3 Basketball
Tero Entertainment views India as a prime location for launching 3x3 basketball. Brian L. Marcar, Managing Director & Founder of Tero Entertainment, stated, "India offers one of the largest opportunities for 3x3 globally. With a youthful population and a growing interest in sports, we believe that the intersection of sport and entertainment can thrive here. Our goal is to create experiences that resonate with the audience, making India a significant market for 3x3 basketball."
Grassroots Development
Chandrakant Singh, MD & CEO of Tero India, emphasized the importance of grassroots development, stating, "Our aim is to cultivate 3x3 basketball in India from the ground up. We want to provide young players with opportunities to engage with the sport, compete regularly, and progress through a structured series of events. This will help them connect with elite international competitions and the global 3x3 circuit."
FIBA's Commitment
Tom Siwannamai, 3x3 Sports Presentation Manager at FIBA, expressed support for Tero's vision, noting, "FIBA and Tero share a strong commitment to advancing 3x3 basketball. Tero's experience in organizing international events will be instrumental in fostering the sport's growth in India alongside BFI."
Long-Term Goals
The 3x3 Quest India 2026 is just the beginning of Tero's long-term strategy for the sport in India. Starting in Delhi, the plan is to increase participation, create more competitive opportunities, and connect Indian players with the global 3x3 community. The objective is to not only host a successful inaugural event but also to position India as a key player in the future of 3x3 basketball.
Competition Structure and Rewards
The 3x3 Quest India 2026 will feature multiple teams competing over two days in a knockout format, culminating in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. The winning team will earn the chance to participate in the FIBA 3x3 World Series in Mongolia, marking the first opportunity for Indian players to gain official FIBA ranking points. Tero Entertainment is launching this FIBA-sanctioned competition to ensure that players' participation and performance are recognized internationally, a pathway that has been largely unavailable to Indian 3x3 players until now.
Upcoming Announcements
Further information regarding participating teams, competition format, entertainment programming, and fan access will be revealed as the event date approaches.
