The 2026 edition of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SABA Qualifiers commenced in grand fashion at the Sugathadasa Indoor Sports Complex yesterday (25th May) with some enthralling basketball action and record-breaking wins
Game 1 – FIBA U18 Asian Championship – SABA Qualifier 2026
The tournament curtain-raiser was between India and Maldives, where India went on to win the game in dominant fashion. India was put under pressure in the first quarter by the Maldivian defense, but the team stood tall as the game progressed. With the physical advantage the Indians possessed, it secured them a comfortable victory by the end of the fourth quarter. India’s No. 21, Arman, was adjudged Player of the Match after his incredible performance throughout all four quarters
FT: India 130 – 60 Maldives
Game 1 – FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship – SABA Qualifier 2026
Sri Lanka met Maldives in the first game of the Women’s competition. The game got off to a slow start, but as the match progressed, Sri Lanka looked like they were in prime position to take home the win. Sri Lanka’s best was on display in the second and third quarters, where the Maldivian defense had no answer whatsoever for the array of attacking prowess shown by the hosts. The Sri Lankan women went on to register a very comfortable win, and skipper Binuthi Jayasinghe was named Player of the Match for her superb leadership and performance on the court
FT: Sri Lanka 74 – 44 Maldives
Game 2 – FIBA U18 Asian Championship – SABA Qualifier 2026
The Sri Lankan men took center stage in the last game of day one, where the hosts ran riot against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka asserted their authority right from the tip-off, scoring left, right, and center in all four quarters. Led beautifully by skipper Sudam Liyanage, the Sri Lankan U18 boys were just too good for the Bangladeshis. Aaron Gerald had a gem of a game, scoring over 20 points, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Even though Liam Thomas was not in the starting five, his introduction proved pivotal for Sri Lanka’s shift plays and full-court counter-attacks, both defensively and offensively
FT: Sri Lanka 132 – 38 Maldives
Stay tuned to Sri Lanka’s No. 1 sports channel as we bring you all the live action from the Sugathadasa Indoor Sports Complex, along with live updates throughout the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SABA Qualifier 2026
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