The energy at The Kallang was nothing short of electric this past weekend as the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026 took over OCBC Square.
From April 1–5, the heart of Singapore’s sporting precinct was transformed into a high-octane arena where over 8,000 spectators gathered to witness the fastest-growing urban sport in the world.
While the competition on the court was fierce, the true heartbeat of the event lay in the stands and the surrounding Feel Alive Zone, where fans from all walks of life gathered to soak in the atmosphere.
A Community Hub of Sporting Excellence
For many, the draw wasn't just the basketball, but the chance to be part of a world-class sporting environment.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
Kunal, a Head of Business for a Tech Company who lives just across the bridge at Tanjong Rhu, brought his family down to join the festivities.
“I am a big sports fan; in this game, I am supporting the Philippines,” Kunal shared. “I actually stay across the bridge at Tanjong Rhu — the kids wanted to see what’s happening, so I am here!”
Reflecting on the transformation of the precinct, he added: “I love it, man. We love this area in The Kallang; it has been a blessing because a lot of stuff happens here. I thoroughly enjoy the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup. I have also watched the World Aquatics Championships and Singapore Tennis Open here as well, so I'm really excited about what this place has to offer.”
More Than Just a Game: Accessibility for All
The open-concept setup at OCBC Square meant that even those who hadn't planned to watch a basketball game found themselves drawn into the action. Claira, a 31-year-old Content Manager, was initially in the area to complete her athlete registration for AIA HYROX Singapore when the roar of the crowd stopped her in her tracks.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
“We were in the area and walked past; we weren’t initially aware of the competition that was going on but just came down to see,” Claira noted.
“I think it’s good as it allows Singaporeans to be exposed to sports more... open-spaced events like this allow people to be part of the action even if they didn’t know about it beforehand or haven’t purchased their tickets in time.”
Photo Credit: SportPlus
For recreational players like Aiden, a pre-enlistee, the event offered a unique opportunity to play on professional-grade courts set up beside the main arena.
“I think it’s really encouraging for recreational players like us because it’s very accessible,” Aiden said while shooting hoops with friends. “I noticed there were just balls lying around, so it allows anyone coming out of the MRT to just come in and shoot a few.”
Action-Packed Results: New Champions Crowned
On the court, the tournament itself delivered high-stakes drama. The final day saw the elimination of several top seeds in the quarter-finals, paving the way for a Cinderella story as a team from the qualifying draw fought their way to a silver medal.
In the end, two powerhouses stood tall: Australia were crowned as Women’s Champions with an unbeaten run to take the gold.
New Zealand mirrored the feat to become Men’s Champions, finishing their campaign without a single loss to be crowned kings of Asia.
Singapore Men’s Team Bow Out Narrowly While Women’s 3x3 Team Make Historic Quarter-Finals
The journey ended in a hard-fought exit for the Singapore men’s team at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026, following a series of fiercely contested games on home soil.
Playing at OCBC Square in The Kallang, the hosts’ tournament opener saw them pit against Japan — one of Asia’s strongest teams in a highly competitive Group C. While Singapore pushed their opponents to the limit trailing by only 2 points with 14 seconds left on the clock, they suffered a narrow defeat and were eliminated against South Korea despite leading for much of the match which ultimately ended their campaign.
Meanwhile the women’s team delivered a historic breakthrough — advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time since the tournament began in Singapore, highlighting the growing strength of the nation’s 3x3 basketball programme.
The milestone run eventually ended in the quarter-finals, where Singapore were defeated 12–16 by China, but the performance marked a significant step forward for the women’s programme and demonstrated the team’s growing competitiveness on the Asian stage.
Beyond the Court: The Lifestyle Experience
The Feel Alive Zone provided fans with more than just a view of the game. Joelle, a Civil Engineer attending with her husband and son, spent her Saturday evening customising a tote bag at the activity booth.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
On the tote bag she shared: “It’s very creative and useful, especially for the youth because they could put many things inside like their books,” Joelle remarked.
Beyond the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, she also planned to catch a concert with her family after the basketball action in what was part of a vibrant Saturday at The Kallang that evening.
Don’t Miss Out: World Cup Qualifiers Next
If you missed the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, the 3x3 thrills aren't over yet. The action returns to OCBC Square at The Kallang next weekend on 11 and 12 April for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2026.
With six spots for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 on the line, the intensity will be at an all-time high. Tickets start from just $8 (excluding booking fees).
The event is also family friendly, as children under four years-old enter for free (provided they do not occupy a seat). You can purchase your tickets here.
