India (both genders) and Sri Lanka (men’s team) qualify for U-18 Basketball Asia Cup
India’s teams in both boys’ and girls’ categories secured the championship titles at the South Asian Zone Under-18 Basketball Championship held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka’s men’s team finished as runners-up, earning qualification for the Asia Cup Basketball Championship.
In the men’s final of the South Asian Asia Cup qualifying tournament, India defeated Sri Lanka by 78–56 to clinch the title.
In the women’s final, India also overcame Sri Lanka with a dominant 83–57 victory to secure the championship.
In the men’s final, India dominated the first quarter, taking a commanding 20–4 lead as Sri Lankan players struggled to match the pace and intensity of the Indian side.
Sri Lanka showed improvement in the second quarter, but India still maintained control, winning that period 22–18 and extending their lead to 42–22 at halftime.
Sri Lanka edged the third quarter 16–15, but India remained ahead overall at 57–38.
In the final quarter, India again asserted dominance, winning 21–18 and sealing a comprehensive 78–56 victory.
In the women’s category, Sri Lanka started strongly, leading 20–16 in the first quarter. However, India took control thereafter.
India delivered a decisive 30–12 performance in the second quarter, leading 46–32 at halftime.
India continued to dominate in the third and fourth quarters, eventually securing an emphatic 83–57 victory.
Criticism was raised regarding Sri Lanka’s women’s team selection strategy, as only a limited number of players were used throughout the match, leaving substitutes without playing time. Some spectators and analysts expressed concern over the lack of rotation. However, the coaching staff defended the decision, stating it was aimed at minimizing the margin of defeat.
The conclusion of the tournament highlighted the need for selectors and administrators to review such issues and ensure better team management in future competitions.
