New Delhi, March 10 – After being stranded in Doha for 10 days, the Indian men's basketball team is on its way back home, the Basketball Federation of India said on Tuesday.
The Indian team travelled to Doha for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, but found themselves stranded in the Qatari capital due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, which have disrupted international airspace and flight operations.
The Qatar Basketball Federation has arranged hotel and other logistical support for the Indian team, ensuring the safety and security of the players and staff until the Indian Embassy can ensure the team's safe return.
The team first travelled to Damman by road, from where the delegation departed in two groups due to limited flight availability.
One group travelled from Damman to Jeddah to Mumbai, while the other group took a direct flight from Damman to Lucknow.
"On March 8, 2026, the team travelled by road from Doha to Damman, Saudi Arabia. Due to limited flight availability, the delegation departed in two groups – one travelling from Damman to Jeddah to Mumbai (arriving at 12:05 AM) and the other from Damman to Lucknow (arriving at 5:15 AM)," the BFI said.
The BFI said its president and secretary-general remained in constant contact with the FIBA Asia office, the Government of India, and the Indian Embassy in Doha.
"The president and secretary-general remained in constant contact with the FIBA Asia office, the Government of India, and the Indian Embassy in Doha to ensure the safe return of the team. The safety and well-being of the players remained the highest priority throughout," it said.
The federation also expressed gratitude to FIBA Asia, the Qatar Basketball Federation, the Indian Embassy in Doha, and the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia for their support and assistance during this challenging period.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the FIBA Asia office, the Qatar Basketball Federation, the Indian Embassy in Doha, Qatar, and the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia for their invaluable support and assistance during these challenging times," it added.