The briefing on FIBA WBL Asia 2026 in Bengaluru. Photo: Karnataka DIPR.
Bengaluru: Six women’s basketball clubs from across Asia, including Indian Railways, are scheduled to compete in FIBA WBL Asia 2026 at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium from October 20 to 25.
Two matches are scheduled each day, with the first starting at 4 pm and the second at 7 pm. All matches will be played at the indoor stadium, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister G. Parameshwara said at a media briefing at Karnataka Olympics Bhavan in the Kanteerava stadium complex on October 12.
The FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia tournament is being organised jointly by the Karnataka government, Basketball Federation of India and Karnataka State Basketball Association, in association with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and FIBA Asia.
Six clubs in the field
The six participating clubs are:
- Sichuan Yuyanda Mele — China
- Dense Iris — Japan
- KB Stars — South Korea
- Cathay Life Tigers — Chinese Taipei
- Akari Sparks — Philippines
- Indian Railways — India
Indian Railways will represent India as the country’s champion club. Cathay Life Tigers is the only team appearing for a third consecutive edition.
Bengaluru’s basketball hosting record
Parameshwara said the Karnataka State Basketball Association had organised several FIBA Asia tournaments with the state government’s support since 2004. Hosting another tournament would give young players an opportunity to draw inspiration from international players, he said.
FIBA Asia President and Karnataka State Basketball Association secretary K. Govindaraj said the league brings leading Asian women’s club teams together and that the Bengaluru event, supported by the Karnataka government, would strengthen India’s place in the Asian basketball calendar.
Speaking about wider support for sport, Parameshwara said the state was taking steps to build quality stadiums and provide equipment to athletes competing at national and international levels. He also praised athletes’ performances at the recent Asian Games, saying 85 athletes had won medals for India, including eight from Karnataka across different sports.
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