India had to compete in the tournament for teams rated third or lower in order to qualify. Nevertheless, they have returned to the big stage and the fans couldn’t get more excited.
In this episode of “Meet the Teams,” allow us to take a moment to introduce India.
India’s World Rank according to FIBA World Ranking: 82
India, a team that has been working hard in recent years to give opportunities to their young guns, may be experiencing growing pains in this situation. India has fallen 8 ranks in the world ranking since the opening of the Asia Cup 2022 Qualifiers.
Asia Cup Debut: 1965
India was drawn into Group B of the Preliminary Round for the 1965 Asia Cup together with Chinese Taipei, Korea, Thailand, and Hong Kong. India defeated Hong Kong 58-55 in their second game to win their first-ever Asia Cup.
They were able to win all three of their games in the Classification Round and make their debut in the seventh position.
Appearances in Asia Cup (including 2022): 26
India has only missed the Asia Cup twice since they first competed in the tournament, in 1993 and 1999. India will play basketball at the Asia Cup for the first time in Indonesia after missing the tournament in 1993. India has never failed to qualify for the Asia Cup since the turn of the millennium.
Best Finish: 4th place (1975)
India has only finished in the top ten slots of the Final Standings since 2005. In Bangkok in 1975, India had its best Asia Cup run, which may be found there. With victories over Malaysia, Kuwait, and Sri Lanka, they advanced from the Preliminary Round.
India finished fourth by earning two more victories in the Final Phase, this time over Thailand’s hosts and the Philippines.
Player to Watch: Vishesh Bhriguvanshi
Although India has a lengthy history in the Asia Cup and undoubtedly has a long list of renowned players to mention. Vishesh Bhriguvanshi stands out, at least in recent memory, for more than ten years.
The “Bearded Baba,” then just 17 years old, has participated in the Asia Cup since 2009. In his first game, he got right to work, averaging 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Since then, he has participated in five Asia Cups. He has been doing well enough in both the World Cup and Asia Cup Qualifiers to give the impression that a sixth appearance is imminent.
Journey to Asia Cup
India almost failed to qualify for the Asia Cup. In Group D of the Asia Cup 2022 Qualifiers, India finished third after losses to Bahrain and close losses to Iraq. They subsequently had to compete in the Qualifying Tournament for teams with a third-place finish. There they promptly fell to Saudi Arabia in their opening match.
India narrowly defeated Palestine 79-77 in the waning moments of the game to secure their spot in the Asia Cup 2022.
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