Basketball set to bloom among Indian students in Qatar: Ex-Indian captain

Published: 13 February 2025

Godwin Isaac K | NT
Doha

With the FIBA Basketball World Cup set to take place in Qatar in 2027, former Indian basketball captain and coach C. V Sunny believes the sport is poised to gain popularity among Indian students in the country.

During a visit to Qatar, Sunny shared his insights on the evolution of basketball in India and the poten-tial impact of the upcoming World Cup on Indian expatriate students in the region.

Having captained the Indian national team to a gold medal at the South Asian Federation Games and later serving as head coach, Sunny has dedicated over 40 years to the sport. Reflecting on his journey, he noted the historic dominance of cricket and football in India but emphasized that basketball is un-dergoing a transformation.

“We never had a structured league before, but now with the Indian National Basketball League (INBL) and a full-fledged league in the pipeline, we are seeing significant development,” he said.

Sunny highlighted the importance of league systems in elevating basketball’s status in any country. “Leagues bring foreign players, increasing exposure and competitiveness. For years, players in India were tied to careers and basketball was secondary. Now, with professional leagues, players can priori-tize the sport, making it a viable career option.”

During his visit to Qatar, Sunny interacted with students at multiple Indian schools and was impressed by their enthusiasm for basketball. “I was pleasantly surprised by the level of interest. Some schools already have dedicated teams for both boys and girls, despite limited facilities,” he observed.

He believes the 2027 Basketball World Cup will further fuel interest in the sport. “Qatar is famous for football, but basketball is on the rise. With the right infrastructure and coaching, it can become a major sport here.”

“Qatar is doing a fantastic job in promoting sports. The National Sports Day celebrations, where offices close to encourage participation, show Qatar’s dedication. Indian students in Qatar have a unique ad-vantage as they are exposed to a multicultural sports environment,” he said.

Sunny is currently in discussions to establish a basketball academy in Qatar, where he aims to train coaches and students using a structured curriculum. “Basketball leagues are emerging across coun-tries. If Indian students here get proper training, they have a bright future. With Qatar’s resources and the upcoming World Cup, basketball is set to thrive in the region.”

As Qatar continues to invest in sports infrastructure and promote diverse athletic opportunities, the 2027 FIBA World Cup could mark the beginning of a new era for basketball among Indian expatriate students, paving the way for future stars in the game.