The Road Back: Former A-listers aiming for promotion

    3 min to read
    Short Read

    Who among these sides can return to the top division?

    SHENZHEN (China) - The FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 Division B is more than just a competition - it’s a proving ground. From July 13-20, eight national teams will converge, each with a unique story but a shared goal: earn that single, golden ticket to Division A.

    The stakes couldn't be higher as only one team will move up to the elite level in the next cycle. For some, it's about reclaiming lost status. For others, it's about announcing themselves on the continental stage for the very first time.

    Here are the teams who have made it to the top division and are yearning for a way back up.

    Chinese Taipei

    Arguably the most accomplished team in the field, Chinese Taipei are making their first-ever appearance in Division B. With a legacy that includes eight medals in Women's Asia Cup history - including a silver in 1972 - they're not just another competitor. This is a proud program with deep tradition and expectations. Although they've failed to reach the Semi-Finals of Division A since 2015, Chinese Taipei enter Division B as clear favorites.

    Thailand

    Thailand returns to Division B after a bittersweet 2023 campaign on home soil. They bounced back from an opening loss to Jordan and went all the way to the Semi-Finals before falling to Indonesia. A former Division A mainstay, Thailand's last appearance at the top came a decade ago in 2015. With memories of their 2013 promotion - also on home soil - Thailand will be hoping that their familiarity with this level and a passionate Southeast Asian fanbase can push them over the line.

    Kazakhstan

    Always competitive but always just shy of breaking through - that's been Kazakhstan's story. In 2023, they were once again halted by Iran before the Semi-Finals. But history shows Kazakhstan can go deep: they've reached the Division B Final before (2017) and competed in Division A twice. Their veteran leaders, if present, could prove crucial in helping Kazakhstan flip the script this time.

    India

    Absent from the 2023 edition, India's return brings an air of unpredictability. Their history includes hosting and winning the Division B title in 2017 to earn promotion, but they're once again finding their way back to Division A. If they can rediscover that promotion-clinching form, they will be serious contenders.

    The Stakes

    The format is simple but brutal: only the winners of the Final get promoted to Division A.

    Shenzhen is about to witness the fire of ambition, the weight of history, and the birth of new rivalries. The FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 Division B is ready for takeoff.

    FIBA

    FIBA Women's Asia Cup Division B

    The Road Back: Former A-listers aiming for promotion

    Philippines awarded rights to host FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027

    Everything you need to know about the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025

    Join for an enhanced experience and custom features
    Register Now
    Social Media
    FIBA Partners
    Global Suppliers
    © Copyright FIBA All rights reserved. No portion of FIBA.basketball may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing FIBA.basketball pages, you agree to abide by FIBA.basketball terms and conditions