Airspace Closures Has Indian Basketball Team Stranded In Qatar

DOHA– The Indian men’s national basketball team captain Gurbaz Sandhu shared the experience from Doha, Qatar, where the team has been stranded due to the West Asia crisis, saying, “The team heard the missile interceptions over Doha on March 5, but we remain safe at our hotel,” as players and staff are being well looked after by officials and authorities.

The Indian contingent went to Doha, for their participation in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers but is currently stranded there after airspace disruptions halted travel plans following the US-Israel attack on Iran, which disrupted airspace across the Middle East region.

“Right now, the Qatar Federation and the BFI (Basketball Federation of India), along with the embassy, have arranged accommodation for us in the same hotel where we were staying earlier for the matches. There is no issue with accommodation at all; they have taken proper care of it,” Sandhu said.

Sandhu explained that the team has been staying indoors at the hotel, where security arrangements remain strong and the players continue to remain safe. “We are staying inside the hotel, so security is fully ensured. As for outside security, no one can guarantee that, but we haven’t faced any issues so far,” he said.

He added that although the team can sense the ongoing interceptions in the area, there have been no reported casualties or incidents in the immediate vicinity of their accommodation. “No casualties have been reported around the hotel. We can definitely feel the interceptions happening, but nothing has occurred close to the hotel. All the players and staff members are safe and sound,” Sandhu added.

The Indian team was originally scheduled to return home on the morning of March 4, but the closure of regional airspace has forced officials to reassess travel arrangements. Sandhu said representatives from the Indian embassy have already met the team and are coordinating with authorities as they monitor the evolving situation.

According to Sandhu, the team is awaiting further updates on whether the airspace can reopen, though the situation on the ground suggests that it may take longer.

The disruption has also affected the team’s competitive schedule, with matches in the qualifiers being postponed due to the security situation. Sandhu said FIBA will communicate the revised schedule to all teams and hold the matches before the next window begins.(IANS)