India’s Under-16 Women’s Basketball Team has achieved a historic undefeated 5-0 win at the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship Division B, narrowly beating Iran 67-66 in a thrilling final to reclaim the title after eight years.
This victory qualifies India for Division A for the first time since 2017. Officials from the Basketball Federation of India and the coaching staff have hailed this achievement as a landmark for women’s basketball in the country.
A Nail-Biting Final and Key Contributors
The final match against Iran was a gripping contest decided by a single point, with key players like Vaishnavi Jonnalagadda scoring 21 points, showcasing sharp shooting skills. Mahek Sharma dominated rebounds with 18 and played a pivotal role in maintaining the team’s defence, while Reva Amit Kulkarni’s assists helped sustain the team’s offensive rhythm.
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has announced a generous prize money of ₹12,00,000 for the U16 Women’s Basketball Team following their victorious campaign at the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship Division B in 2025. This cash award reflects the Federation’s commitment to recognising and rewarding the hard work, dedication, and success of these young athletes.
The prize money aims to further motivate the team and support their ongoing training and development efforts as they prepare to compete in Division A. Officials from BFI expressed pride in the team’s achievement and reinforced their promise to enhance funding and infrastructure for women’s basketball.
This financial boost is a significant step toward fostering a stronger sports culture for young women players across the country, helping bridge gaps in resource availability and lifting the profile of women’s basketball on a national level. The BFI’s announcement underscores the growing support and encouragement for women’s sports in India.
A Journey of Growth and Renewal
India’s return to Division A follows years of rebuilding after last competing at that level in 2017. The team faced tough competition in previous tournaments, but consistent efforts in grassroots development, better training programmes, and increased focus on women’s sports have contributed to this breakthrough.
Competing in Division A will expose the team to stronger competition, offering valuable experience that is critical for India’s aspirations in global basketball competitions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This victory transcends sport; it is a beacon of perseverance, gender empowerment, and the increasing prominence of women’s sports in India. Such a moment encourages dismantling gender stereotypes while inspiring future generations of athletes. The Logical Indian believes sustained support and investment are essential to harness this momentum and promote gender equity in sports nationally.
This accomplishment highlights the power of resilience and teamwork, underscoring the critical role of systemic support in elevating women’s sports for holistic societal progress. The dialogue it sparks should be about continued encouragement, investment, and acknowledgement of young women shaping the future of Indian sports.
HISTORIC MOMENT FOR INDIAN BASKETBALL! 🇮🇳
— #IndiaBasketball (@BFI_basketball) September 20, 2025
We are incredibly proud of our U-16 Women's Basketball Team for achieving this massive feat and making the nation proud on the international stage!
To honor this remarkable achievement, the Basketball Federation of India is awarding a… pic.twitter.com/yxk1Q8Zq5E
