Indian men’s basketball team heads home after 10-day stranding in Doha amid regional airspace restrictions

The Indian men’s basketball team is finally on its way back home after being stranded in Doha for 10 days, the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) said on Tuesday.

The Indian basketball contingent had travelled to Doha for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers but was stranded in the Qatari capital due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. The situation escalated following airstrikes and missile attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which disrupted international airspace and flight operations.

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During the period, the Qatar Basketball Federation arranged hotel accommodation and provided logistical support for the Indian contingent, ensuring the safety and security of the players and staff until the Embassy of India facilitated their return.

On March 8, the team travelled by road from Doha to Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Due to limited flight availability, the delegation was split into two groups for their journey back to India.

“One group travelled via Dammam → Jeddah → Mumbai (landing at 12:05 AM), while the other group flew Dammam → Lucknow (landing at 5:15 AM),” the BFI said in a statement.

According to the federation, its president and secretary general remained in constant contact with the FIBA Asia office, the Government of India, and the Embassy of India in Doha to ensure the safe return of the team.

“The President and Secretary General remained in constant touch with the FIBA Asia office, the Government of India, and the Embassy of India to ensure the safe return of the team. The safety and well-being of the players remained the highest priority throughout,” it added.

The federation also expressed gratitude to FIBA Asia, the Qatar Basketball Federation, the Embassy of India in Doha, and the Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia for their support and assistance during the challenging period.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the FIBA Asia office, the Qatar Basketball Federation, the Embassy of India in Doha, Qatar, and the Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia for their invaluable support and assistance during these challenging times,” the statement read.