Indian Senior Men’s Basketball Team stranded in Doha amid airspace disruptions; All players safe

FIBA Asia President Dr. K. Govindaraj confirms Indian Embassy and Qatar authorities coordinating; return to India once flights resume

The Indian Senior Men’s National Basketball Team, which travelled to Doha to participate in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, is currently unable to return to India due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

The team had competed in the qualifiers held in Doha. However, escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel have led to disruptions in international airspace and flight operations, affecting scheduled onward travel. As a result, the team’s return journey to India has been temporarily halted.

In an official statement, Dr. K. Govindaraj, President of FIBA Asia and the Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA), said he has been in touch with the Indian Embassy and the Qatar Basketball Federation to ensure the safety and well-being of the players and team officials.

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He confirmed that the Qatar Basketball Federation has arranged hotel accommodation and all necessary logistics for the Indian contingent. The team members and officials are currently staying safely in Doha.

Support has also come from the Indian community in Qatar. Members of Karnataka Sangha, Qatar, and Karnataka Kannada Sangha, Qatar have extended assistance to the Indian basketball team during this period.

Dr. Govindaraj assured that the team will return to India once flight operations resume and air travel normalises. Until then, all players and officials remain safe and under proper arrangements.

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The development comes amid wider disruptions to international flight schedules in the region due to geopolitical tensions impacting air corridors.