New Delhi, August 18: Indian basketball star Govinda Sharma believes that if India invests seriously in 3×3 basketball now, qualifying for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics is achievable. However, he acknowledges that securing a spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Games may be challenging.
Sharma stated, “There is a solid roadmap for 5×5 basketball, but looking at its history, it’s tough. 3×3 is a new sport, and it presents better opportunities for India. If we start now, we might not make it to the 2028 Olympics, but we can compete in 2032.”
The 3×3 basketball format made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games and will also feature in the Paris 2024 Olympics. This format will return at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, with an increase in the number of teams to 12 for both men and women.
For the 2028 LA Olympics, five Olympic spots for men and women will be determined through the FIBA 3×3 Federation rankings, while the remaining six spots will be filled through four Olympic qualifying tournaments. The ranking window for LA28 is 24 months, making consistent participation in ranking events essential.
Sharma has participated extensively in 3×3 basketball over the past five to six years and has held the number one rank in India. He believes that to improve rankings, continuous international play is crucial. “I have taken part in 3×3 competitions everywhere over the last five to six years. Currently, I am ranked number two, but I have stepped back to focus on coaching. In 3×3, you need to compete in qualifiers across different countries. As you win, you advance,” he explained.
These comments were made during the launch of ‘3×3 Quest India 2026,’ a FIBA-recognized competition. The event will take place on September 12 and 13 at DLF Promenade – Emporio in New Delhi. This tournament is supported by the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), FIBA, and the Delhi Basketball Association. The winning team will earn a chance to compete in the FIBA 3×3 World Series in Mongolia, as well as gain FIBA ranking points.
Sharma believes that such events can significantly boost India’s Olympic ambitions. “The team that wins the 3×3 Quest event will play in the World Series in Mongolia. This will earn India points and improve our ranking. If we want to enhance our prospects, we need more tournaments like this,” he stated.
Given the importance of international rankings and results in the 3×3 Olympic qualification system, Sharma emphasizes that India should capitalize on the increasing number of sanctioned competitions. “If we start making efforts now and continue participating in these tournaments, India’s ranking can improve. This could ultimately give us a chance to dream of the Olympics,” he concluded.
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