Indonesian Women’s 3x3 Basketball Team Falls Short in Manila

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian women’s 3x3 basketball team faced a tough outing at the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Manila 2026, bowing out in the qualifying round after two defeats on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia, Manila, the Philippines.

The squad -- comprising Thasya Hery Saputera, Evelyn Fiyo, Diva Intan Nur Fadillah, and Angelica Jennifer Candra -- struggled in their opening game against Mongolia, losing 9–21. In their second match, the team fell to Singapore by the same scoreline, 9–21, Antara reported.

These results placed Indonesia third in Group B with 18 points, ending their hopes of advancing to the main draw. Mongolia secured the group’s sole ticket to the next stage after edging Singapore 18–16.

Despite the setback, Indonesia’s participation in Manila is seen as part of the team’s broader preparation for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Prior to departure, Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) Secretary General Nirmala Dewi reminded the players to embrace the experience and maintain a positive mindset. “Alongside focusing on the targets, you must also enjoy playing. Savor the game and keep your hearts happy,” she said.

Nirmala emphasized that mental readiness and team spirit are crucial in facing the pressures of international competition. The Manila tournament, which featured 16 teams including powerhouses from the United States, Japan, China, Lithuania, and Mongolia, allowed Indonesia to test its resilience against world-class opponents.

While Indonesia’s women’s 3x3 team did not progress beyond the qualifiers, their participation reflects a commitment to growth and international exposure. Each match offered valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and adaptability -- qualities that will be vital as the team builds toward the Asian Games.

The Manila campaign may have ended early, but it marks another step in Indonesia’s journey to strengthen its presence in global basketball. ***