Pranav Prince, India’s skipper, eyes a podium finish at the Asian Beach Games in Sanya
KOCHI: Pranav Prince doesn’t just arrive at half-court, he crackles through it like a livewire on hardwood. For India’s top scorer in the main draw at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore, the loss to New Zealand in the fiercely fought Group D clash against New Zealand earlier this month still stings.“They (New Zealand) are a champion team. We tried our best. But the loss taught us valuable lessons, particularly in our offensive game, off-ball movement, and execution on both ends,” he tells TOI.The 22-year-old Thiruvananthapuram native has now set his sights on the 6th Asian Beach Games that begins on April 25 in the scenic coastal resort city of Sanya, China.The four-member Indian team, led by Prince has a familiar ring to it, with Kushal Singh, Arvind Muthukrishnan and Harsh Dagar completing the roster.“Our core group remains the same. The four of us have played together at the same NBA academy in the US. So, there’s a strong sense of familiarity to this team,” Prince says.India’s road to the Asian Beach Games is arduous. Qatar. Bahrain. Kazakhstan. Three opponents, and two games scheduled on a single day: Apr 25.“Recovery and performance management will be crucial. However, we’re focused on doing our best. Our recent exposure and practice sessions have prepared us well for this tournament,” explains Prince, an employee at Chennai’s Indian Bank.
Yet, the recent setbacks offered a sobering perspective. India, ranked 83rd in the 3×3 basketball rankings, went down 16-11 to world No. 23 New Zealand in Singapore. “Look, we lost to New Zealand 16-11, which was a 5-point margin. The other teams lost to them by a way bigger margin,” Prince notes.Zoom out, and Prince sees 3×3 basketball as a sport with infinite potential in India. “It grabs you by the collar,” Prince says.
10-minute games. 12-second shot-clock. No break after scoring. No half-time. The game is a blur of elbows, arcs, and split-second decisions.“It’s faster, more intense,” Prince elaborates. “In high-pressure, short-format games like 3×3, composure and decision-making are key. We see pressure as a privilege.”“Making it accessible for spectators in urban spaces like malls, parks, and beaches, with increased investment and exposure can be a win-win situation.
But the belief needs backing, with regards to leagues, investment, and visibility. Build it, and the audience will come,” he offers.Therein lies India’s opportunity. Transitioning between 3×3 and 5×5 formats requires a mindset shift, but ultimately basketball is about experience and adaptability, says Prince.“Looking ahead, India has a strong chance, especially in 3×3, where outcomes are unpredictable, but we believe we’re equally competitive and aiming for the medal,” Prince adds.For now, though, the horizon is clear: a podium finish in China, and a statement of intent.
