FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia opens in Bengaluru

Forty-one national titles have made Indian Railways a force in domestic women’s basketball. From Tuesday, they will test that record against some of Asia’s leading clubs at Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

The FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia runs in Bengaluru from October 20 to 25, with six teams split into two groups. Railways, the reigning Senior National champions, are in Group B with Japan’s Denso Iris and South Korea’s Cheongju KB Stars. They play Denso on Tuesday and KB Stars on Wednesday.

Group A comprises China’s Sichuan Yuanda Meile, the Philippines’ Akari Sparks and Chinese Taipei’s Cathay Life Tigers. The group stage is a round robin from October 20 to 22; the top two teams in each group move to crossover semifinals on October 24, followed by the final on October 25.

Railways coach Anitha Pauldurai said the matches offer needed international exposure for Indian players, including juniors. India internationals Pushpa Senthil Kumar and Dharshini Thirunavukkarasu are part of the Railways squad, alongside Mysuru player Harshitha Kelttira Bopaiah.