Wales made history at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow when the women's wheelchair basketball team recorded their first ever victory, beating India 16‑1 in a dominant display that left the arena buzzing.
A historic moment for Welsh sport
Captain Anastasia Blease spearheaded the effort, scoring seven points, while Molly Lander contributed five and Libi Phillips added four. Teammate Chloe Morgan, though not on the scoresheet, played a vital role in maintaining momentum throughout the match.
The win was especially meaningful because both the men's and women's squads were making their Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow after receiving wildcards. Alex Wilson, Ben Johnson‑Rolfe, Dan May and Will Bishop were among the Welsh athletes who stepped onto the court for the first time on the international stage.
What lies ahead for the Welsh squads
The women's team will next face Nigeria and Scotland in the group stage, while the men's side is set to meet Malaysia before later fixtures against South Africa and Scotland. The excitement among the players is palpable, with Anastasia Blease describing the crowd's support as a catalyst that fuels their ambition.
Understanding wheelchair 3×3 basketball
Wheelchair 3×3 is played over a single 10‑minute period with no quarters or halves. Each team fields three players and uses a single substitute. The shot clock ticks down for 12 seconds, and the half‑court game features one hoop. The first team to reach 21 points wins; if the clock expires without a 21‑point total, the team in the lead takes the victory. In the event of a tie, the first side to score two points in overtime claims the win.
The rules create a fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment that showcases skill, strategy and teamwork, and the Welsh teams are eager to translate that energy into future successes.