iMSPORT.TV – The Indonesian men’s U-16 national basketball team will face New Zealand in their opening game of the FIBA U-16 Asia Cup 2025, set to take place at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex, Mongolia, on August 31 at 3:30 p.m. local time.
According to Nirmala Dewi, Secretary General of the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi), Indonesia is drawn into Group B, alongside New Zealand, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei.
“We hope to achieve the best possible results throughout the group stage until the end,” she said from Jakarta on Thursday evening.
The Garuda Muda squad will play three consecutive group-stage games over three days. The clash against New Zealand will serve as the first real test for the young Indonesian players.
On Monday, September 1, Benjamin Piet Hernusi and teammates will take on regional rivals the Philippines at the Mbank Arena in Ulaanbaatar at 6:00 p.m. local time. The match is expected to be intense, as both countries have frequently met in youth-level basketball tournaments across Asia.
Indonesia will then wrap up the group stage against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, September 2, at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex, also scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time. That game could prove decisive in determining Indonesia’s chances of advancing to the next round.
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FIBA U-16 Asia Cup 2025: Indonesia Faces New Zealand in Opening Match
Nirmala emphasized that participation in the tournament is part of Indonesia’s long-term basketball development program.
“This youth competition provides a valuable platform for our young players to gain international experience while also measuring the progress of grassroots basketball development in Indonesia,” she explained.
This year marks Indonesia’s fourth appearance at the FIBA U-16 Asia Cup. The Garuda Muda last competed in the 2022 edition, finishing 11th out of 13 teams. Their best achievement came in 2011, when Indonesia placed 7th among 16 participating nations.
A total of 16 countries will compete this year, divided into four groups. Each group winner will automatically qualify for the quarterfinals, while the second- and third-placed teams will play in playoff rounds to secure the remaining four spots in the last eight.
(amr/adm)
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