Hyderabad: The 3x3 format of the basketball event — FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters — will make its debut in India at Hyderabad’s People’s Plaza on Saturday and Sunday.
A total of 12 teams divided into four groups (A, B, C & D) with three sides in each will be seen in action. Two teams from India — Delhi and Bengaluru — have also made it to this league. They were selected after a 3x3 Pro Basketball League (3BL) that was conducted across India in which 12 teams competed out of which two were given berths at the Hyderabad Masters.
The 3x3 basketball format, which is a 10-minute match and is played in half-court, will be introduced in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The participating teams will have a chance to qualify for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Bloomage Beijing Final in October.
Meanwhile Pooja Bhatt, co-owner of Team Delhi who was present at the occasion slammed the Basketball Federation of India for allegedly sending out letters to players and referees that they will not be allowed to play in other tournaments if they play in 3x3 leagues.
“This is a big platform for Indian players as it provides wider scope. A league like this will help many players get recognition,” said Rajan Sharma, one of the players the Bengaluru side.
Rajan’s teammate Amit Sehrawat was positive of a good show. “We have previously played few leagues so we are not in much pressure. But, getting selected from entire country is an achievement,” he said.
