Overwhelmed!! The Thai men's and women's basketball teams both lost in the opening matches of the “FIBA 3x3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup 2026.” They joined hands but were defeated in the tournament's first round.
The grand opening of the “FIBA 3x3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup 2026” took place in Thailand, which hosted the event welcoming male and female athletes along with officials from 16 top global teams. The men's division featured 8 teams: Australia, Spain, Lithuania, United States, Madagascar, Netherlands, reigning champion Serbia, and host Thailand. The women's division also had 8 teams: Australia, Spain, Azerbaijan, United States, Netherlands, Madagascar, reigning champion, and host Thailand.
All teams competed from 13 to 15 March at the plaza in front of CentralWorld shopping center in Bangkok.
On Friday, 13 March, the official opening ceremony was held, presided over by Pimol Srivikorn, Chairperson of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand. Also attending were Nipon Chawalitmontien, President of the Basketball Association of Thailand; Brian L. Marger, Managing Director of Tero Entertainment Public Company Limited; Patanapong Nuphan, Managing Director of Channel 7HD; Mallika Luangnimit, Marketing Director for Thailand at TCP Group; and Mr. Ignacio Soriano, Head of FIBA 3x3 Activities, who traveled to join the event. A highlight was a special performance “MellaMay X Hanuman” by artist Mellamay - Melanee Marger, who performed the tournament's theme song “Bounce” alongside Hanuman, the legendary character from the Ramakien epic, blending EDM with Thai cultural elements. She also debuted a new song “Sa-Wad-Dee,” energizing fans both local and international. Celebrities such as Ohm Cocktail, Ter Chantawit, Delandechai, and Chon Chawisakarn joined to cheer on the athletes.
In the first match, the Thai women's national basketball team, placed in Group B (Canada, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Thailand), led by Bo Supawadee Kunjuan, Kik Kanokwan Prajuapsuk, Mum Sasiporn Wongtapha, and Prae Soifa Petchnin, faced the runner-up Spain, led by Ygueravide and Alonso Armiño. It was a tough challenge from the start. Spain took an early lead 7-1, using speed and accuracy to extend their margin continuously. Despite Thailand's best efforts, their offense and defense did not meet expectations, ending the game with Spain winning 21-7.
The Thai men's team, in Group A (Serbia, Lithuania, Spain, and Thailand), faced reigning champion Serbia, led by
Ohm Chanathip Chakravan, Freddy Frederick Lee Jones Liz, Ball Noppachai Thongpoon, and New Panthawat Techasamran.
Meanwhile, Serbia fielded most of last year’s experienced players, led by Milivojevic and Brankovic.
The match started fiercely, with both teams evenly matched early on. The Thai team, cheered on by fans, kept the score close at first. However, Serbia used their advantage in size and agility to pull ahead, eventually winning 21-8. The Thai men's and women's teams fought hard and won the crowd's admiration throughout the game.
Both the Thai men's and women's teams still have qualifying matches to advance to the semifinals on Saturday, 14 March, as follows:
At 17:00, Thai men's team vs. Spain (broadcast live on Channel 7HD).
At 17:30, Thai women's team vs. Canada (broadcast live on Channel 7HD).
At 19:30, Thai men's team vs. Lithuania.
In the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals to compete for the championship. Both men's and women's finals will be held on Sunday, 15 March.
Don't miss this world-class basketball event hosted by Thailand for the second consecutive year, featuring fun activities from sponsors such as Dunk Clinic, BMX, and Skateboard Challenge by Sponsor Beverage and Red Bull, plus other sponsor activities including prizes from Honda Motorcycles and GAC electric cars, offering plenty of giveaways for sports fans.
Join in supporting the Thai athletes at the “FIBA 3x3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup 2026.”
From today until Sunday, 15 March, at the plaza in front of CentralWorld shopping center, admission is free. You can also watch live broadcast on Channel 7HD from 17:00 to 18:00.
For more details, visit:
Facebook: Basketball Association of Thailand
https://www.facebook.com/bsatthailand/
