MIES (Switzerland) - At the Asia Cup 2025 in August, India finished 15th, ahead of only Syria.
But three months on, the Young Cagers could spring a surprising resurgence. And they might be able to share some of the credit to Mongolia.
In what can be described as a bolt from the blue - five Indian national team players were recently signed by various teams in the Mongolian Basketball League (known simply as 'The League').
Five Indians in the Mongolian League
Among the five desi pros in Mongolia - is 24-year-old Sahaij Sekhon. As a 194 cm / 6'4" point guard, Sekhon has already been commanding attention for his quickness and size.
"[I] always wanted exposure. This one month has given some match practice to us and I personally feel this is going to be [a] big thing," said Sekhon, who has now rejoined India's FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers preparatory camp in Bengaluru.
At the Asia Cup, Sekhon averaged 6.7 points in 19.8 minutes per game, with his best outing coming against eventual silver medalists China. In that 69-100 loss, Sekhon posted 14 points at a +15 efficiency.
Following his Mongolia stint, where he even won one TCL player of the game award, Sekhon will now be hoping his erstwhile 'best' performance against China becomes the 'baseline' one could expect from him.
"Playing with other players has made us find new things about our game style, [and I've] got better at communicating on the court,"
Besides Sekhon, veteran big man Palpreet Singh, NBA G-League alum Princepal Singh, shooting guard Harsh Dagar and power forward Harshwardhan Tomar make up India's 'Mongolian Fab Five'.
Much Needed Exposure
For a 1.5 billion plus population country, India continues to lack an official professional basketball league. That is all set to change in the second half of 2026, with the inauguration of the National Federation backed 'India Basketball League'.
But until the league launches and pre-event exposure games become a norm rather than an exception, individual Indian squad members plying their trade in foreign leagues can have an outsized positive impact on the team's chances.
I am really glad for our players getting this opportunity to play professionally. I originally came to India wanting to assist in raising the level of basketball.
"This is one proof of the growth that has happened. Having our own pro league will be another big step in the right direction,"
India Head Scott Flemming
Facing Saudi Arabia
The perceived gains from Mongolia will be tested soon enough, with India taking on familiar foes Saudi Arabia in the inaugural window of the World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
The last time these two teams faced off - at this year's continental cup - India was at the receiving end of a 59-84 beatdown.
In fact, such has been Saudis' dominance against South Asia's top side, that the Falcons have won the past five games dating back to 2021.
Coach Flemming sums up the Saudi challenge thus:
"Saudi Arabia are a talented team. We are doing our best to work on the areas that can narrow the gap especially on the defensive end and rebounding.
"As much as we are glad for the opportunity that our players have had playing professionally it has been hard to have continuity in our training without them with us. As in almost all the games we play, we will be determined to pull off the upset over a higher ranked team.
"It is a great challenge that we look forward to.”
India face Saudi Arabia on November 27 and 30. Stream the action on Courtside 1891, with live games and on-demand replays. Blackouts might apply in certain territories.
FIBA