Jr. NBA shifts focus to under-16s, with year-round play and better coaching key to developing Indian talent

The ACG Jr. NBA 3v3 National Tournament has shifted its focus to the under-16 category for its 2026 edition, expanding across 10 cities before concluding with national finals in Chennai this December. NBA India Country Head Sunny Malik highlighted that Indian youth players must focus on year-round play, stamina, endurance, and strategic development following competitive lessons learned at international events such as Singapore's Rising Stars Invitational.

Malik emphasized the urgent need for greater domestic investment in coaching ecosystems and world-class training infrastructure to build sustainable athletic pipelines. The program, which has reached millions across India since 2013, has also observed notable female engagement, with girls' participation reaching up to 45 percent in some city-level competitions.