BASKETBALL | India might want to drastically enhance its taking pictures when it takes on Qatar

Prep time: The Qatar group at a coaching session forward of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Chennai.
| Picture Credit score: R. Ravindran

Qatar is grooming its group for the longer term with an eye fixed on the 2027 World Cup, which it will likely be internet hosting. Having a bunch of gamers within the u-19 age class, Qatar, below new coach Hakan Demir, could also be in need of expertise, nevertheless it does possess hoopsters with speedy pace and distinctive taking pictures expertise.

In his second stint as India’s head coach, Scott Flemming has been specializing in taking pictures, which India failed miserably in crunch conditions within the first two matches of the primary window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025 when it misplaced to Kazakhstan and Iran.

Qatar, too, will probably be below strain, having misplaced its first two matches to Iran and Kazakhstan. India should enhance its defence and, most significantly, taking pictures, when it takes on Qatar in a Group-E conflict within the second window of the qualifiers on the Nehru Indoor Stadium right here on Friday.

Flemming has been with the boys since July, getting them to enhance their taking pictures. “We’ve actually labored on our perimeter taking pictures. But when we shoot like I do know we’re able to, I believe that’ll be our power. And we’ve acquired a few veterans, massive males, who can try this,” stated the 66-year-old American.

Qatar is in good kind, having completed second within the King Abdullah II Worldwide basketball cup held in Amman (Jordan) just a few days again.

Twenty-one-year-old Indian level guard Pranav Prince stated India is prepared for the problem. “The primary half towards Iran and Kazakhstan within the first window have been fairly shut, which implies we are able to compete towards any group. We misplaced due to lack of expertise in direction of the tip of the sport.

“We should win two of the subsequent 4 matches, together with away ties towards Qatar and Iran within the third window if we have now to qualify for the finals in Saudi Arabia subsequent 12 months,” he stated.

India, with fairly just a few skilled gamers, will probably be bolstered by the return of 32-year-old ahead Amjyot Singh, who’s getting back from a foot surgical procedure.