Team 911 Triumphs at Red Bull Half Court 2026 National Finals
Team 911 clinched the championship title at the Red Bull Half Court 2026 National Finals, defeating John Deere with a score of 14-12. The squad, consisting of Jashandeep Singh, Ujjwal Eknoor Singh, and Manveer Dhaliwal, will represent India at the World Finals scheduled for December 2026 in Manila, Philippines.
Exciting Finals in Chandigarh
The Red Bull Half Court 2026 National Finals took place in Sector 17, Chandigarh, showcasing high-energy basketball from eight elite teams. This event highlighted Punjab's prominence in Indian basketball, following two qualifying rounds held in Ludhiana and Chandigarh, where 32 teams competed in each. Ultimately, the top eight teams advanced to the finals.
The finals featured an impressive level of play, with all 32 participants having represented their states, and 16 of them having competed at the national level.
Team 911's Sentiments
"Winning the national finals in Chandigarh and representing India at the World Finals in Manila feels surreal. This achievement is a proud moment for Team 911 and all our supporters. We have worked diligently for this opportunity and are eager to represent our country on an international platform," expressed Manvir Dhaliwal, a member of Team 911.
Celebrating Basketball Culture
The Sector 17 court, the venue for the finals, was a vibrant homage to street basketball culture, embodying the spirit of Chandigarh. The design, inspired by the "Own the Court" philosophy, featured bold pop-art that merged Chandigarh's geometric identity with the dynamic energy of basketball, creating an exhilarating atmosphere. The artwork was crafted by Doodle Mapuls, led by Amal Nair, Yash Shetty, and Kirthi Pillai.
Community Impact
"The newly painted court by Red Bull is a fantastic addition to the basketball community. It fosters energy and inspiration, providing a space for players to unite and develop the sport. This investment signifies the growing recognition of basketball culture," stated Dhaliwal.
Talent Scouting at the Finals
The India Basketball League (IBL) sent two coaches, PS Santosh and Daniel Tihomir Vlahov, to scout talent at the Red Bull Half Court 2026 National Finals. Selected players will have the unique chance to train with top athletes, experience elite coaching, and participate in high-intensity scrimmages in a world-class environment.
Interestingly, the winners of the Red Bull Half Court 2024—Kanwar Gurbaz Singh Sandhu, Nawaz Singh, Arvinder Kahlon, and Karandeep Singh—are currently training at the High-Performance Centre (HPC) in Bengaluru, which also serves as the training ground for the Indian national basketball team.