Balanced draw for Qatar at Gulf U-16 Basketball Championship
Tribune News Network
Doha
The Qatari U-16 national basketball team is set to participate in the Gulf U-16 Basketball Championship, which will take place in Bahrain from July 7 to 12, 2025.
A total of six Gulf teams will be involved: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
This tournament is significant for the teams involved, as it acts as a qualifier for the FIBA Asia U-16 Championship, thereby enhancing the competitive atmosphere among the teams aiming for continental qualification.
The draw for the tournament has placed the Qatari team in Group A, where they will compete against the UAE and Kuwait, while Group B consists of Bahrain (hosts), Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
According to the established tournament format, the leading two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, culminating in the final match.
Qatar will commence their tournament journey against Kuwait on July 7, 2025, followed by a match against the UAE on July 9. The semi-finals are scheduled for July 11, where the top team from Group A will face the runner-up from Group B, and vice versa. The tournament will conclude with the final on July 12.
In an unprecedented decision reflecting FIBA Asia's support for youth teams in the Gulf region, FIBA Asia officially approved granting the Gulf Championship champion a direct ticket to the next FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship, scheduled for September 2025 in Mongolia.
This gives this year's Gulf Championship a highly competitive character and exceptional significance.
The decision is part of the AFC's strategic vision to enhance the presence of Gulf teams on the continental stage and provide sustainable development paths for age groups. It was widely welcomed by the Gulf federations, who viewed it as an encouraging step for players and technical staff.
The Qatar national team is preparing for these events with great ambitions, supported by a specialized technical staff and a comprehensive preparation program that includes training camps. This is complemented by significant support from the Qatar Basketball Federation, headed by Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, who seeks to consolidate the Qatari national team's position as one of the most prominent emerging forces in Gulf and Asian basketball.
The Qatar junior national team hopes to continue its journey of achievements, retain its Gulf title, and secure a ticket to the Asian Cup, confirming the development of Qatari basketball at the age level.
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