FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers schedule: Dates, times and how to watch qualification games

Basketball fans across Asia, prepare to be enthralled! The road to the prestigious FIBA Asia Cup 2025 officially tips off on February 23rd, 2024, with a thrilling slate of qualifiers featuring Asia’s finest ballers vying for a coveted spot in the tournament. Mark your calendars, dust off your jerseys, and get ready for a slam-dunk spectacle. 

The Quest Begins: Dates and Times to Mark

The qualifiers are divided into four windows, spanning across different dates throughout 2024 and 2025. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Window 1: February 23rd-25th, 2024
• Window 2: November 10th-12th, 2024
• Window 3: June 10th-12th, 2025
• Window 4: February 23rd-25th, 2025

Tip-off Times: Eager to catch the action live? Games will typically begin at:

• East Asia & Southeast Asia: 18:00-20:00 local time
• Central Asia & South Asia: 17:00-19:00 local time
• West Asia: 18:00-20:00 local time

Group A:

• February 20: The Republic of Korea vs. Thailand (Wonju Gymnasium, KOR) – 15:00 local time (GMT+9)
• February 20: Indonesia vs. Australia (Indonesia Arena, INA) – 20:00 local time (GMT+7)

Group B:

• February 23: Japan vs. Guam (Okinawa Arena, JPN) – 19:00 local time (GMT+9)
• February 23: Chinese Taipei vs. New Zealand (Taipei Hsinchuang Basketball Gymnasium, TPE) – 19:00 local time (GMT+8)

Group C:

• February 23: China vs. Mongolia (Jiangsu Suzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium, CHN) – 19:30 local time (GMT+8)
• February 23: Hong Kong vs. the Philippines (Kowloon City Sports Centre, HKG) – 19:30 local time (GMT+8)

Group D:

• February 24: Malaysia vs. Guam (MABA Stadium, MAS) – 19:00 local time (GMT+8)
• February 24: Thailand vs. Hong Kong (Wongchawalitkul Indoor Stadium, THA) – 19:00 local time (GMT+7)

Group E:

• February 25: India vs. Kazakhstan (K.D. Jadhav Indoor Hall, IND) – 18:00 local time (GMT+5:30)
• February 25: Jordan vs. Palestine (Prince Hamza Sports Hall, JOR) – 20:00 local time (GMT+3)

Don’t Miss the Action: Watch the Games Live

With powerhouse teams like Australia, China, and Iran vying for supremacy, expect electrifying matchups throughout the qualifiers. Don’t miss these potential showdowns:

• Australia vs. Korea: A classic rivalry unfolds, with both teams boasting world-class talent. Can Korea pull off an upset on home soil?
• China vs. Japan: Two Asian giants collide, showcasing a battle of offensive firepower and strategic finesse.
• India vs. Iran: A clash of styles emerges as India’s young guns face the experience and guile of the Iranian veterans.

Fantastic Viewing: How to Watch the Games

No matter where you are, you can witness the qualifiers unfold in all their glory. Here’s how:

• Official FIBA Website: Stream games live on the official FIBA website (https://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2025/qualifiers/games) for a comprehensive viewing experience.
• National Broadcasters: Many national broadcasters will be airing the games in their respective regions. Check your local listings for details.
• YouTube: FIBA’s YouTube channel will feature highlights, interviews, and other exciting content.

Beyond the Scoreboard: FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers – A Unique Journey

The qualifiers are more than just basketball games; they’re a platform for showcasing the passion, talent, and diversity of Asian basketball. Witness nations unite under their national colours, players chase their dreams, and future stars emerge on the international stage.

Here’s what makes the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers unique

• Unveiling the Next Generation: Keep your eyes peeled for rising stars who might become the next household names in Asian basketball.
• Unfamiliar Gems: Discover hidden talents from under-the-radar teams, adding a layer of intrigue and excitement to the competition.
• Homecourt Advantage: Witness the electrifying atmosphere as teams battle it out on their home turf, fueled by passionate fan support.
• Building Rivalries: The qualifiers are a breeding ground for intense rivalries that will captivate fans for years to come.

Beyond the Scores: A Deeper Dive into the Qualifiers

While the final score is important, the qualifiers offer much more than just wins and losses. They are a platform for young talent to shine, for veterans to showcase their experience, and for national teams to build chemistry and cohesiveness. Here are some additional storylines to keep an eye on:

• Can Australia, the defending champions, maintain their dominance?

• Will rising stars like Kai Sotto (Philippines) and Yudai Baba (Japan) continue to impress?

• How will teams like India and Mongolia fare against more established opponents?

• Which team will emerge from the tightly contested Group E?

So, basketball enthusiasts, the journey to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 has begun. Mark your calendars, choose your team, and prepare to be enthralled by the spectacle. Remember, every dunk, every steal, and every buzzer-beater is a step closer to crowning the new Asian champion. Buckle up, because the road to glory starts now. 

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