Mumbai: Just a day to go for the final round of the inaugural season of 3×3 Pro Basketball League (3BL) in Mumbai, Delhi 3BL have qualified to participate in two tournaments in FIBA 3×3 World Tour Masters– the Mexico City Masters and Hyderabad Masters on 8th – 9th September 2018 and 22nd – 23rd September 2018 respectively.
Delhi 3BL have already represented India at an international platform in 3×3 basketball for the first time at the Utsunomiya Masters in July 2018 and emerged ninth in the ranking charts. The current leader in 3BL score charts, they stand a chance to qualify for FIBA 3×3 World Tour Finals in Beijing, China in October 2018. This will be the landmark moment in history of basketball in India. It will mark the first time, an Indian 3×3 team has reached the finals of the prestigious FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final to compete against the best teams in the world.
3BL is just a day away From the ending of the inaugural season; post the sixth and final round in Mumbai on 25th and 26th August 2018. Team Delhi have consistently led the rankings chart by winning all the rounds apart From the fourth round, which Bangalore Machas took away. Ahmedabad Wingers, Bangalore Machas, Hyderabad Ballers and Mumbai Hustlers have also shown strong performances in each of the rounds in Delhi, Aizawl, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore so far.
Extensive efforts have been made by 3BL towards grassroots development of the sport, with Indian basketball players being selected in the league and playing alongside international 3×3 superstars, matches being organised in high engagement places like malls and coaching clinics for young students in each of the cities. The response From athletes and audiences has been excellent as 3×3 basketball is the ideal blend of sports and entertainment.
Speaking about the qualification, Rohit Bakshi, League Commissioner, 3BL, said, “Delhi Hoopers have made history and set a benchmark for Indian 3×3 basketball players. Their participation in FIBA WORLD TOUR Mexico City Masters and Hyderabad Masters will give them a chance to compete against the best players in the world and possibly qualify for the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Finals this year. I strongly believe they have the potential to end up as one of the best 3×3 teams in the world.”
Pooja Bhatt, Actor/Filmmaker & Co-Owner of Delhi Hoopers said, “Delhi Hoopers has consistently delivered exceptional performances in the entire season of 3BL. They have been raising the bar with every single match with their talent and skills. I’m certain our players are going to make India proud at Mexico City Masters, Hyderabad Masters and eventually the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Finals in Beijing as well.” Team Delhi Hoopers is co-owned by Pooja Bhatt and Boxo Singh Sports Worldwide Pvt. Ltd.
