India to host 3×3 basketball qualifiers in Tokyo Olympics 2020

Indiawill host the Tokyo Olympic Games 3×3 basketball qualifying tournament in Marchnext year, the world governing body of the sport, FIBA has announced. The venueof the tournament, which will feature 40 teams (20 each for men and women),will be announced later.

As per reports the event will be held under the aegis of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and will be organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Reportedly,six spots (three each for men and women) for 2020 Olympics will be up for grabsat the FIBA 3×3 Olympic qualifying tournament. The discipline will make itsOlympic debut in Tokyo next year where eight-team tournaments will be held formen and women.

"Itis a great honor to host such an important event in India and to see ourplayers give it all on home soil for a berth to the first-ever 3×3 Olympictournament," BFI president Govindaraj Kempareddy said.

"Following the successful organization of two consecutive FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Bangalore by the BFI, we are looking forward to organizing now a key 3×3 event in a country where our new Olympic discipline already has a strong fan base," he added.

In addition to the host teams, the remaining of the 40 participating teams will be chosen via the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking and the results of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.