India advances to Round 2 in FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifier following win over Iraq

India is having a decent run in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers. India beat Iraq 81-78. India is placed in the West Region, alongside Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Qatar and Kazakhstan. In contrast, it is placed in Pot 6 of the region, along with Qatar and Kazakhstan.

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Manama, First Published Feb 21, 2021, 1:01 PM IST | Last Updated Feb 21, 2021, 1:01 PM IST

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In what could be considered a top moment for Indian basketball, the men's international team has qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers second round. The news comes after the Indian contingent beat Iraq 81-78 in the qualifiers' opening round, currently being held in Bahrain.

India represents the West Region of the tournament, where it was placed alongside Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Qatar and Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, it was placed in Group D of the qualifiers, along with Lebanon, Bahrain and Iraq.

In five games, India has managed to win a couple, besides losing three, as it is placed third in the group table. With a game more to go against Lebanon, India has been placed in Group B of the second round. While it would be up against a couple of more sides, the top two teams from the group would finally qualify for the tournament's main draw.

As of now, Lebanon, Bahrain and Indonesia (host) are the only two sides to have qualified for the main tournament. The event would be held in Jakarta from August 16-28 and would be the competition's 30th edition. A total of 16 teams would participate in the tournament.

Australia is the defending champion form the 2017 edition, while it looks favourite to qualify once again. While China is the most successful team in the competition, having won 16 golds, India has yet to win any medal.