India is keen to host the World junior 3x3 championships, said K. Govindaraj, president, FIBA Asia.

Speaking to The Hindu after the conclusion of the third-place match of the FIBA-Women’s Basketball League Asia here on Sunday, the 67-year-old said that though nothing had been confirmed, he would present his proposal at the FIBA Central Board Meeting in Geneva in March or April 2027.

“I am trying to get a World junior-level 3x3 championship where 40 to 44 countries will take part. The reason why I am keen to host the event in India is that 3x3 is becoming more popular in Europe and it’s the No. 1 sport there,” he said.

As the first Indian to head FIBA Asia (2023-27), Govindaraj said it had been a smooth ride.

“I have done and am doing my best for the development of basketball in Asia, across the world, and across India. Barring disturbances in West Asia, where qualifiers and other events got delayed, it’s been smooth sailing so far,” said the former Basketball Federation of India (BFI) head.

Govindaraj added BFI was doing reasonably well in its efforts to launch the Indian Basketball League next year, but needed to be more aggressive.

“Now BFI has taken up the League (Indian Basketball League) and other issues, but it has to step up its efforts. India should go for aggressive training camps in the under-16 and -18 age-groups, which are very important because they are the future of our country,” he said.