FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifying Tournament: Participating teams, groups, schedule, venue and more to know

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With the conclusion of the final group games for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, in the bubbles in Philippines and Jordan, the final set of teams to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 becomes more clear. 

The 20 games played over nine days (Jun. 12-20) across two bubbles added ten more nations to bring the tally of qualified teams to 13, leaving only three spots to fill for the 16-nation FIBA Asia Cup 2021.

Philippines, Korea, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Iran, Syria, Jordan and Kazakhstan are the set of 10 teams that were the latest to punch their ticket to the continental event. 

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The final three teams will be decided by a qualifying tournament. Here's everything you need to know about it: 

Where is the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifying Tournament? 

As part of a new FIBA Calendar format implemented in 2017, this is the first 'Qualifying Tournament' for the Asia Cup. Earlier, the tournament was to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia - the same venue as the Asia Cup.

MORE: FIBA Asia Cup postponed to 2022

However, with the postponement of the 2021 Asia Cup to 2022, the Qualifying Tournament will be held across two bubbles - one in Saudi Arabia and one in Guam. 

When is the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifying Tournament?

Prior to the Asia Cup postponement, the Tournament was to be held just a few days prior to the Asia Cup. 

However, now the two bubbles will be held in the second half of August with the games in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to be held from Aug 20-22 while the games in Guam will be held on August 26 and 28. 

Which teams are participating in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifying Tournament?

Originally, the Qualifying tournament was set to feature six nations, consisting of all teams that finish third across the six groups from the qualifiers. 

However, Indonesia - who finished third in Group A - have already qualified for the Asia Cup as hosts. Thus, leaving the qualifying tournament with only five teams that will fight it out for the final three spots.

The five nations to participate in the Qualifying Tournament are - Chinese Taipei (Group B), Guam (Group C), India (Group D), Saudi Arabia (Group E) and Palestine (Group F).

India, Saudi Arabia and Palestine will compete together in Group H while Guam and Chinese Taipei will go at it in Mangilao, Guam in Group G. In each group, teams play the other once and the top two qualify from Group H while the outright winner advances from Group G. 

What is the schedule for games at FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifying Tournament?

On Aug. 10, FIBA announced the tip-off timings for the five Asia Cup Qualifying Tournament games. Here's a look at the schedule:

Date Game Group Tip-off time [IST]
Aug. 20 India vs. Saudi Arabia Group H 8:45 p.m
Aug. 21 India vs. Palestine Group H 8:45 p.m
Aug. 22 Saudi Arabia vs. Palestine Group H 8:45 p.m
Aug. 26 Guam vs. Chinese Taipei Group G 2:30 p.m
Aug. 28 Guam vs. Chinese Taipei Group G 2:30 p.m

Feature Image courtesy: FIBA/Twitter

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