Stuck, But Safe! Indian Men's Basketball Team Stranded In Qatar After FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifier Fixture

Last Updated:March 05, 2026, 13:31 IST

The members of the team are safe and sound in Doha and are being taken good care of, confirmed President of FIBA Asia and Member of the Legislative Council K Govindaraj.

The Indian men’s basketball team, which participated in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers against Lebanon, was slated to return on Monday, but found themselves stranded in the Qatari Capital City of Doha, due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region that have disrupted international airspace and flight operations, and are awaiting further steps of evacuation.

The conflict in the Middle East has brought the world to a standstill as the nations involved in the quarrel and those caught in the crossfire seek relief from the escalation caused by US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the latter’s retaliation.

The crisis in the Middle East has cast doubt on the organisation and participation of entities and individuals at major sporting events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the F1 season.

The members of the team are safe and sound in Doha and are being taken good care of, confirmed President of FIBA Asia and Member of the Legislative Council K Govindaraj, the Karnataka Sangha Qatar and Karnataka Kannada Sangha Qatar have extended support for the Indian side during their time in Doha.

The Qatar Basketball Federation has arranged hotel and other logistical support for the Indian contingent, ensuring their comfort and safety until flight services resume. In the meanwhile, members of

Govindaraj also added that he has spoken to officials at the Embassy of India in Qatar and the Qatar Basketball Federation regarding the safety and arrangements for the players and team officials, and said the Indian team will return to India once normal flight operations resume.

News sports other-sports Stuck, But Safe! Indian Men's Basketball Team Stranded In Qatar After FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifier Fixture

Read More