Bengaluru, 17th July 2017: The preparations for the prestigious FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017 are in full swing. At a press conference this afternoon at the Century Club, Bengaluru, BFI President K. Govindaraj and Secretary General Chander Mukhi Sharma scheduled an interaction with the media. They were joined by Mr Anupam Agrawal [IPS], Director, Youth Empowerment and Sports.
The Cup is all set to take place from July 23-29 at the Kanteraava Indoor Stadium and Koramangala stadium in Bengaluru. India first participated in this event in 1970, and has competed 17 times in total. The Indian women’s team best finish in this tournament came in the year 2013, when it finished 5th, including a historic Level 1 victory. Prior to that, India’s best finish had been 6th place at the 1992, 2009 and 2011 iterations.
India needs to top Division B to get elevated into Division A for the next edition.
Online ticketing is live
The city of Bengaluru last hosted a FIBA Championship back in 2004 (the U18 Championship for Men). The Championship is returning now at the senior level. Just like the Harlem Globetrotters’ visit to the Kanteerava stadium back in 2006, which drew huge crowds, it is expected that the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup too will be a big boost not just for the city but also the state of Karnataka and the country.
With the participation of Australia, the 2006 World champions, and Asian giants like holders Japan, China, South Korea and Chinese Taipei, this event is expected to provide immense inspiration to the young aspirants and the senior players as well.
Tickets are on sale in full swing online since 11th July (www.ticketgenie.in/fiba-tickets). Starting 22nd July, tickets will also be sold at the box office at the Kanteerava Stadium.
Full support provided to the Indian team
There are high hopes from the Indian team. India is ranked No 40 in the FIBA world rankings and is at No 5 in Asia. The BFI identified probables over two months ago and they have been in a coaching programme in Bengaluru itself so that they get acclimatized with the weather and playing conditions.
The team was given proper friendly games and also sent to Chinese Taipei for an exposure trip.
Serbia’s much-acclaimed coach Zoran Visic has taken charge of the team. BFI is providing all facilities to enable them to put their best foot forward. Diet, medical requirements, proper accommodation in a good hotel, transport and exposure trips, whatever is needed has been provided in order to ensure that the team regains its due place in Level 1 again.
Support from the Government
The Karnataka State Basketball Association has been in the forefront of organizing major national and international events. It is impossible to host such a major event without the support from the State government and other government departments. Sri Siddaramaiah, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, is a sports lover himself and has always provided all support, whether financial and other logistical, as well. For this event, the CM himself is the Chief Patron of the Organising Committee.
The Sports Minister, Sri Pramod Madhwaraj, the Minister for Bengaluru Development and Town Planning, Sri K J George and the Dept of Youth Empowerment & Sports have been working with BFI all along. The State government has given BFI all support and cooperation in every respect so that the event is successful and our foreign guests go back without any cause for complaints.
