The FIBA Regional Office-Asia recently hosted a vital FIBA Statisticians Workshop in India, an initiative designed to bolster the precision and standardization of basketball statistics across the continent. This significant event occurred in Ahmedabad from August 10th to 11th, strategically preceding the tip-off of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 on August 13th, demonstrating FIBA’s commitment to foundational excellence in conjunction with major tournaments.
Under the direct supervision of the Basketball Federation of India, the workshop attracted 49 eager participants, all keen to enhance their statistical acumen. The comprehensive curriculum delved into the intricacies of the FIBA Statisticians’ Manual 2024, providing a thorough grounding in the latest statistical protocols and definitions. A crucial component of the training involved hands-on sessions with the FIBA LiveStats software, equipping attendees with the practical skills necessary to accurately capture and process real-time game data. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application was instrumental in preparing the next generation of basketball statisticians.
Shalom Cherian, a statistician from Kerala, lauded the program, stating, “The FIBA Stats Workshop gave me a good understanding of how FIBA statistics are recorded and how important accuracy and attention to detail are.” Cherian particularly highlighted the efficacy of the practical exercises, noting, “The practical sessions helped me understand the role of a statistician better and gave me more confidence while working with game statistics. The session on assists, using video references and study materials, was especially useful.” This feedback underscores the value of experiential learning and the targeted focus on specific, often nuanced, statistical categories.
Karan Aiyappa, a statistician based in Bengaluru, further elaborated on the workshop’s comprehensive nature. He emphasized that “All the parameters and aspects covered in the Statisticians’ Manual were discussed in detail, which made it much easier for me to understand the concepts and apply them while taking the exam.” Aiyappa’s comments reflect the workshop’s success in demystifying complex concepts and ensuring participants were thoroughly prepared for assessment. He also expressed significant appreciation for the instructors, remarking, “I truly appreciate the instructors for making the workshop informative, engaging, and easy to follow. It was a great learning experience and helped me feel well-prepared for the examination.” Such positive testimonials are a testament to the high quality of instruction and the well-structured nature of the program, setting a new standard for basketball data collection across India.
