Qatar hoopsters fetch crucial win over India in Ahmedabad

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 3, 2026

The Qatar men’s basketball team defeated India 65-56 in Ahmedabad during the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Asian qualifiers. This win solidifies Qatar’s position in Group D and helps maintain their momentum as they prepare to face Saudi Arabia in the next qualifier.

The Qatar men’s national basketball team secured a 65-56 victory over India on Thursday at Veer Savarkar Hall in Ahmedabad, India, marking the opening game of the third window of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. The match was part of Group D, which also includes Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

India started strongly on their home court, taking the first quarter 12–7 and extending their lead to 18–15 by halftime. However, Qatar responded with a stronger showing in the second half, winning the third quarter 20–14 and dominating the final quarter 23–12 to seal the win.

Qatar’s Abdulrahman Saad led all scorers with 24 points, while India’s Pranav Prince was the top contributor for the hosts with 13 points. With this victory, Qatar improved its points total to 8 in the group standings. India remains at 5 points, having lost all five of its group matches so far without securing a win.

This result represented Qatar’s second win over India, following an earlier 99–73 victory in Doha during the third round of qualifying. Qatar’s campaign began with a narrow 75–74 loss to Lebanon in Doha, but they bounced back with an 86–83 win against Lebanon away. In their most recent outing prior to Thursday, Qatar was defeated by Saudi Arabia 80–86 in Doha.

Following their win in Ahmedabad, Qatar now prepares to face Saudi Arabia in an away match scheduled for July 5 in Jeddah.

The Qatari squad is led by Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, assisted by Team Manager Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani and Assistant Manager Nabil Jumaa. Turkish head coach Hakan Demir oversees the team, supported by assistants Cengiz Karadag, Miroje Mimetich, and Abdou Sow, while Mohamed Vural is responsible for fitness preparation. The medical team includes Dr. Adel Harmiyeh, Dr. Adel Salim, and Nikasio Sagaino.

Qatar’s roster for the qualifiers comprises 12 players: Abdulrahman Saad, Mostafa Fouda, Omar Saad, Zeineddine Badr, Mohamed Hashem, Mostafa Nado, Babacar Dieng, Ousmane Dieng, Aladji Bobo Magassa, Alen Hadzibegovic, Donte Grantham, and Mahmoud Darwish.

Qatar, along with Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, has already secured progression to the second round of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.