Qatar Beat India to Strengthen World Cup Qualification Campaign

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July 2, 2026
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2-July-2026

Qatar Beat India to Strengthen World Cup Qualification Campaign

Ahmedabad : Qatar’s senior national basketball team claimed an important 65–56 victory over India on Thursday in Ahmedabad, India, in the opening game of the third qualification window for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.

Playing in front of their home fans, India made the brighter start, winning the opening quarter 12–7 before extending their advantage with an 18–15 second quarter to take an eight-point lead into halftime.

Qatar responded strongly after the break, turning the contest around with an impressive second-half display. The team claimed the third quarter 20–14 before dominating the final period 23–12 to complete a deserved comeback victory.

Abdulrahman Saad starred for Qatar with a game-high 24 points, while Pranav Prince led the Indian team with 13 points.

The victory lifted Qatar to eight points in Group D, while India remained on five points. It also marked Qatar’s second win over India in the qualifiers, having previously recorded a commanding 99–73 victory in Doha.

Qatar will now turn their attention to their final game of the third qualification window against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on July 5 before continuing their journey in the next phase of the Asian qualifiers.

The Qatari delegation is headed by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, accompanied by Team Manager Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani and Assistant Team Manager Nabil Jumaa.

The team is coached by Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, assisted by Cengiz Karadağ, Mirsad Memić, and Abdou Sow, with Mohamed Vural serving as strength and conditioning coach. The medical staff includes Dr. Adel Harmiyeh, Dr. Adel Salim, and Nikasio Sagaino.

Qatar’s 12-player roster comprises Abdulrahman Saad, Mostafa Fouda, Omar Saad, Zeineddine Badr, Mohamed Hashem, Mostafa Nado, Babacar Dieng, Ousmane Dieng, Aladji Bobo Magassa, Alen Hadzibegović, Donte Grantham, and Mahmoud Darwish.