Indo- Bhutan 3×3 Open Tournament
About the Tournament
The inaugural Indo-Bhutan 3×3 Open tournament successfully concluded on January 10, 2026, following three days of intense competition. Held from January 8–10, the event featured 12 elite teams: seven representing India and five from Bhutan (three from Gelephu and two from Thimphu). The tournament served as a premier platform for showcasing regional talent and fostering cross-border sportsmanship.
The competition reached its pinnacle during the semi-finals, where the Thunder Dragon Boys, Team BFB, Team Sarpas, and MNG vied for a place in the championship match. Ultimately, Team BFB and the Thunder Dragon Boys advanced to the finals. In a decisive performance, Team BFB secured the title with a 40–25 victory.
Post-tournament feedback from Indian participants highlighted a strong desire for more frequent regional events. While the 3×3 format is still gaining traction among local youth, players demonstrated a rapid adaptability to the specific rules and expressed a keen interest in further exposure to this fast-paced discipline.
The Indo-Bhutan 3×3 Open directly advanced the Federation’s long-term objectives in four key areas:
- International Ranking & Olympic Pathway: By hosting international teams, the Federation improved Bhutan’s competitiveness in the 3×3 format—a key Olympic discipline—moving us closer to regional and international qualification standards.
- Accelerated Youth Development: The event served as a practical training ground. While the 3×3 format is relatively new to local youth, the tournament forced rapid adaptation to its fast-paced rules, enhancing individual skill sets and decision-making in line with our grassroots roadmap.
- Regional Sports Diplomacy: Successfully hosting seven Indian teams strengthened cross-border ties and established Bhutan as a viable hub for regional sports tourism, fulfilling a long-term goal of international collaboration.
- Capacity Building: Organizing this event tested and improved the Federation’s technical and logistical expertise, proving our readiness to host larger-scale, FIBA-sanctioned international tournaments in the future.