More than just a game: Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Qatar League matches empower local youth
Tribune News Network
Doha
The second season of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Qatar League has come to a thrilling close, helping students from across the country to grow their basketball skills while building key skills and values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and resilience.
This year's league—organised by Qatar Foundation (QF) in collaboration with the NBA, and supported by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF)—featured 68 teams, each representing an NBA team, across four categories and welcomed more than 1,000 students, doubling participation from its first season.
The U12 Girls title was claimed by the Qatar Basketball Federation (Philadelphia 76ers), with Pro Sports (Brooklyn Nets), finishing in second place. In the U12 Boys category, the Movement Camp (Minnesota Timberwolves), were crowned champions, while QF Awsaj (Indiana Pacers) took second place.
The U14 Girls champions were the Qatar Basketball Federation (San Antonio Spurs), with QF Awsaj (Minnesota Timberwolves) securing second. In the U14 Boys division, the Qatar Basketball Federation (Dallas Mavericks) claimed the title, with Evolution Sports (Orlando Magic) taking home second place.
All basketball action took place across two venues: QF's Multaqa (Education City Student Centre) and the QBF.
Kholoud M. Al-Ali, executive director of Community Engagement and Programming at Qatar Foundation Communication Initiatives, said: 'The growth of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Qatar League this year has been truly inspiring, with participation more than doubling since last season. This reflects the increasing passion for basketball among our youth.
'Every match has showcased not only excitement and teamwork, but also a deep love for the game. Seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of these young athletes is a powerful reminder of how sport can unite communities and inspire future generations.
'At Qatar Foundation, our commitment to youth development extends beyond the realm of sport – through every game and every play, we strive to empower young people. Bringing the league back to Education City through this partnership for a second year is more than a milestone – it is an opportunity to build character, instil values, and cultivate leaders. We are not just shaping athletes; we are shaping the future of Qatar and the wider region, inspiring a generation to drive meaningful, lasting change.'
Mohammed Saad A A Al-Meghaiseeb, president, Qatar Basketball Federation, said: 'One year ago, I made a promise as President of Qatar Basketball Federation, that the second season of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Qatar League would be even better. We worked hard with Qatar Foundation, and we delivered a great event.
'QBF and Qatar Foundation are focusing to develop the game of basketball in the country. The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Qatar League gave the chance to young boys and girls to compete, play, enjoy the most beautiful game, and develop their skills.
'Qatar will host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027, and we firmly believe that with programs like the Jr. NBA, we can bring more young people to basketball.
'Together with Qatar Foundation, we promise that the next year will be even more successful. Congratulations to all the participants, players, and their families.'
Maryam Hamad M A Al-Qahtani is a student at Tariq Bin Ziad School, part of QF's Pre-University Education, who plays for the Qatar Basketball Federation.'I started playing basketball about a year ago through my school team,' she said. 'From the very first moment, I felt something special about the game. The energy, the challenge, the movement, and the team spirit.
'What I love most about basketball is the teamwork. Every player has a role, and every pass is built on trust and understanding. It's a sport that teaches patience, discipline, and quick decision-making, all of which help me grow, both on and off the court.
'The best part of playing in the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA League was gaining experience every match, every training session helped me improve. But the moment I'll never forget was the feeling of winning an important game and sharing that victory with my coach, Rana, who played a big role in supporting me and helping me grow throughout the tournament.
'I've learned that confidence and discipline are just as important as talent. Every game was a chance to learn something new. Mistakes are not failures – they're lessons.''
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
Fitness, fun and innovation at Qatar Foundation's Ladies Night
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Ladies Night at Education City Stadium returns this July with exciting new additions, including a dedicated STEM Zone spotlighting sports, health, fitness, and innovation. And, for the first time, all classes will be free for attendees. Attracting over 1,000 women and girls to each event, Qatar Foundation's (QF) Ladies Night continues to provide a welcoming space to get active, try a new sport or activity, and connect with others. Each event is open to women and girls aged 6 and above, and they take place every Tuesday in July from 6-10pm at the Education City Stadium, which has become a dedicated hub for women's and girls' sports. A wide range of fitness classes and sports will be on offer – including Zumba, basketball, volleyball, and football – alongside the chance to experience sports such as fencing and archery. And in a new addition to Ladies Night, a dedicated STEM Zone will feature activities by QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University, STEM Xplorers, and Knowledge Kingdom that include robotics football, an interactive football VR simulation, and GAITRite technology. Regular attendee Nour Tabet shared why she enjoys QF's Ladies Nights, saying: 'I love the atmosphere, and I love the aspect of working out in the outdoors. It's fresh air – it gives you a balance between the openness of the outdoors and a bit of greenery. 'The community energy is also different at these events. It's often not the same students as in the regular classes, which brings a unique sense of community bonding – and I love that. I really enjoy classes that you can share with other people, with other students.' 'And on Tuesdays, the convenience of an outdoor activity – especially in the stadium – is great. Even though it's hot, because of the stadium's cooling system you don't feel the summer heat.' Ladies Night will be moving to a new location in August – offering a new experience for the community. More details will be shared soon. Those interested in being part of Ladies Night are encouraged to pre-register in advance at
ILoveQatar.net
2 days ago
- ILoveQatar.net
Ladies Night returns to Education City Stadium this July with FREE classes
Qatar Foundation's Ladies Night at Education City Stadium returns this July with exciting new additions, including a dedicated STEM Zone spotlighting sports, health, fitness, and innovation. For the first time, all classes will be FREE for attendees. Attracting over 1,000 women and girls to each event, Qatar Foundation's (QF) Ladies Night continues to provide a welcoming space to get active, try a new sport or activity, and connect with others. Each event is open to women and girls aged 6 and above, and they take place every Tuesday in July from 6-10 pm at the Education City Stadium, which has become a dedicated hub for women's and girls' sports. A wide range of fitness classes and sports will be on offer – including Zumba, basketball, volleyball, and football – alongside the chance to experience sports such as fencing and archery. In a new addition to Ladies Night, a dedicated STEM Zone will feature activities by QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University, STEM Xplorers, and Knowledge Kingdom, including robotics football, an interactive football VR simulation, and GAITRite technology. Regular attendee Nour Tabet shared why she enjoys QF's Ladies Nights, saying: 'I love the atmosphere, and I love the aspect of working out in the outdoors. It's fresh air – it gives you a balance between the openness of the outdoors and a bit of greenery. The community energy is also different at these events. It's often not the same students as in the regular classes, which brings a unique sense of community bonding – and I love that. I really enjoy classes that you can share with other people, with other students. And on Tuesdays, the convenience of an outdoor activity – especially in the stadium – is great. Even though it's hot, because of the stadium's cooling system you don't feel the summer heat.' Ladies Night will be moving to a new location in August – offering a new experience for the community. More details will be shared soon. Source & cover image credit: Qatar Foundation
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
QBF approves 2025-26 season agenda, new system for men's league
Tribune News Network Doha The Board of Directors of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) approved the programme for 2025-26 season besides a new system for the men's league during the second meeting held at the federation's headquarters on Wednesday. The meeting was presided over by QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb and attended by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, QBF Secretary General, and Ahmed Yousef Mohammed Mubarak Al Darwish, QBF Assistant-Secretary. The meeting also featured board members: Abdullah Sultan Al Jaber, Abdulrahman Hamad Mohammed Al Mana, Mishaal Abdullah Yousef Al Malki, and Zahra Majed Burhan Al Zaidan, the sole female member on the board. Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the board members for their significant contributions during the 2024-25 sports season. Several critical topics were discussed during the meeting, particularly the approval of the agenda for the upcoming 2025-26 season, a detailed presentation of the national teams' forthcoming foreign participation schedule, and a dialogue regarding the implementation of the strategic plans previously established by the Federation to enhance the game, broaden its reach, and improve its visibility both locally and internationally. The federation approved several vital decisions, including the discussion and endorsement of the Competitions Committee's recommendations and the establishment of the calendar and activities for the forthcoming season. Additionally, the federation introduced new modifications to the men's league competition considering the unique characteristics of the impending phase as Qatar prepares to host the prestigious 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which is set to take place for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region from August 27 to September 12, 2027. The new men's league system is set to be implemented across all clubs associated with QBF in the near future. As per the sanctioned schedule, the men's general basketball league is scheduled to take place from October 25, 2025, to February 16, 2026. The initial round of matches will be held between October 25 and December 25, 2025, while the subsequent round of matches to take place from December 31, 2025, to January 29, 2026. The semi-finals are planned for February 5 to 9, 2026, and the final round is slated from February 12 to 16, 2026. Following this, the Qatar Cup for men will commence from February 23 and continue till March 9, 2026. The principal men's tournaments will conclude with Amir Cup, scheduled from March 26 to April 23, 2026. The Under-19 league is set to run from September 15, 2025, to May 28, 2026. It will consist of two segments: the first from September 15 to December 1, 2025, and the second from January 20 to May 28, 2026. The U-19 Qatar Cup is scheduled for May 4 to 27, 2026. The league for Under-16 will take place from September 14, 2025, to May 26, 2026, and will also be divided into two segments: the first from September 14 to November 30, 2025, and the second from January 18 to May 26, 2026. The Qatar Cup is scheduled to take place from May 3 to May 26, 2026, while the Qatar Cup for Under-16 will be from March 30 to May 23, 2026. The U-14 league's first section will be held from September 13 to November 29, 2025, whereas the matches for the second division will be held from January 17 to April 25, 2026. Additionally, the Qatar U-14 Cup is planned for May 2 to May 25, 2026. The seasonal agenda further encompasses the organization of sports festivals aimed at younger age groups, specifically Under-9 and Under-12, from November 1, 2025, to May 16, 2026. This initiative is part of the association's commitment to fostering a culture of the game from an early age. As for women's basketball, it was decided to conduct festivals for girls from January 17 to February 10, 2026. The Under-15 Girls League is scheduled from January 16 to May 25, 2026, and the Under-18 Girls League will take place during the same time. The Women's General League is also set to be held from January 17 to May 25, 2026. At the end of its meeting, QBF reiterated its unwavering dedication to executing its development plans and annual calendar in alignment with the highest organizational standards. The commitment aims to fulfill the aspirations of the Qatari basketball community and to enhance the preparedness of national teams and clubs for forthcoming local and international events, particularly the hosting of 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
