FIBA Asia president wants India to host World Junior 3x3 Championship

FILE PHOTO: FIBA Asia President K. Govindaraj (R) said 3x3’s growing appeal in Europe makes it a must-try for India too. | Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K

K. Govindaraj, president of FIBA Asia, is keen to host the World Junior 3x3 Championship in India.

Speaking to Sportstar after the conclusion of the third-place match of the FIBA-Women’s Basketball League Asia in Chennai on Sunday, the 67-year-old said that though nothing had been confirmed, he would present his proposal at the FIBA Central Board Meeting in Geneva in March or April 2027.

“I am trying to get a World Junior-level 3x3 Championship where 40-44 countries will take part. The reason why I am keen to host the event in India is that 3x3 is becoming more popular in Europe and it’s the No. 1 sport there,” he said.

Govindaraj, the first Indian to head FIBA Asia (2023-27), said his tenure had been a smooth ride, barring the problems in West Asia caused by the prevailing situation.

“I have done my best and am doing my best for the development of basketball in Asia, across the world and across India. Barring disturbances in West Asia, where qualifiers and other events got delayed, it’s been smooth so far,” said the former president of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI).

Govindaraj said the BFI was doing reasonably well in its efforts to launch the Indian Basketball League next year, but needed to be more aggressive.

“Now they (BFI) have taken up the League (Indian Basketball League) and other issues, but they have to step up its efforts. India should go for aggressive training camps in the Under-16 and Under-18 age groups, which are very important because they are the future of our country,” he said.