Shivaji Nagar Gymkhana player Gunjan Nikhil Mantri has been chosen to represent India at the FIBA 3×3 U-18 World Cup 2024. The event will take place in Debrecen, Hungary, from August 26-30, 2024.
Mantri’s selection follows a series of notable performances in national and state tournaments. Her international journey began with a third-place finish at the 74th Junior National Basketball Championship in Indore. Her impressive play earned her an invitation to the Indian national camp.
In 2024, Mantri represented Maharashtra at the Khelo India Youth Games in Coimbatore, securing a third-place finish. She also clinched a gold medal at the U-19 School Nationals in Mumbai and led her team to victory at the Youth State Championship in Dhule, where she was named the best player of the tournament. Her contributions were pivotal in Maharashtra’s victory at the Youth Nationals.
Mantri joins Siya Deodhar and Shomira Bidaye as the third player from Shivaji Nagar Gymkhana to achieve this honor. Her success is a testament to her dedication and hard work, guided by Shiv Chhatrapati Awardee Shatrughna Gokhale and NIS coach Vinay Chikate. Alongside her athletic prowess, she excelled academically, scoring 92% in her 12th Board Examinations.
According to the FIBA 3×3 website, the Indian team roster for the FIBA 3×3 U-18 World Cup 2024 includes Mantri, Anaya Bhavsar, Aahana George, and Gunvi Agrawal. India, seeded 11th, is placed in Pool C with Kyrgyzstan (#3), Japan (#6), China (#14), and Uganda (#19). The tournament features 20 teams in both men’s and women’s sections, divided into four pools of five teams each. Each team will play one match against each of the others in their pool, with the top two teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
India’s initial matches are scheduled as follows:
- August 26: 6:45 PM against China, 8:35 PM against Uganda
- August 28: 6:20 PM against Kyrgyzstan, 9:35 PM against Japan.