SILIGURI, WEST BENGAL — The city of Siliguri witnessed a historic moment for Indian basketball as the IB3L International Elite Cup 2026 concluded with an electrifying finale, where the Kathmandu, Nepal team dominated the tournament to lift the championship trophy.
Recognized as one of India’s biggest and most competitive 3×3 basketball tournaments in recent years, the event transformed Siliguri into the center of South Asian 3×3 basketball, attracting players, coaches, and basketball enthusiasts from multiple cities and countries.
Hosted at the world-class facility of Kaga Basketball Academy, the tournament was more than just a championship — it was a major step toward building a professional 3×3 basketball culture in India.
Road to Glory: Teams Battled Across India
The journey to the IB3L International Elite Cup began months earlier with intense qualifying rounds held across five major cities:
- New Delhi
- Jaipur
- Ranchi
- Mumbai
- Siliguri
Each qualifier featured more than 24 teams battling for a single spot in the national finals. Only the strongest teams advanced to Siliguri, making the tournament one of the toughest 3×3 competitions in the country.
The event stood out because it provided equal opportunity to players from different regions to compete on an international-level platform connected to the global FIBA 3×3 pathway.
Nepal Team Rules the Court
From the opening game itself, the Kathmandu, Nepal team showcased exceptional chemistry, speed, and aggressive gameplay. Their dominance throughout the tournament made them fan favorites as they outperformed top Indian qualifiers and secured the IB3L International Elite Cup 2026 title in commanding fashion.
The championship victory earned Team Nepal not only the prestigious trophy but also an opportunity to compete in the Mongolia Challenger, taking them one step closer to the international FIBA 3×3 circuit.
Basketball fans present in Siliguri witnessed fast-paced action, clutch performances, and a level of competition rarely seen in Indian 3×3 basketball tournaments.
The Vision Behind IB3L
Behind the rise of IB3L stands Govinda Sharma, former India No. 1 basketball player and founder of Kaga Basketball Academy.
Having achieved India’s top basketball ranking multiple times during his career, Govinda Sharma has been actively promoting 3×3 basketball since 2017 with the dream of creating a stronger basketball ecosystem in India.
His vision through IB3L is simple — create opportunities, discover talent, and provide Indian players with international exposure.
Speaking after the tournament, Govinda Sharma said:
“Indian basketball has immense talent, but players need exposure and the right platform. IB3L was created to bridge that gap. We want players from every part of the country to dream bigger and compete internationally.”
He further added that the rapid global growth of 3×3 basketball could open future Olympic opportunities for India if grassroots tournaments and professional pathways continue to develop.
Siliguri Becomes a Rising Basketball Destination
The successful organization of the IB3L International Elite Cup has placed Siliguri firmly on the basketball map of India. From packed games to high-level competition and international participation, the tournament created a new level of excitement around 3×3 basketball in the region.
With IB3L continuing to grow, many believe the tournament could become one of South Asia’s premier 3×3 basketball events in the coming years — giving young players a direct pathway from local courts to the international stage.
