5 days ago
Qatar's basketball training camp in South Korea concludes on a high note with friendly
Tribune News Network
Doha
The Qatar national basketball team wrapped up its overseas training camp in Seoul, South Korea, with a second friendly match against the South Korean national team on Sunday. The game, held at Jonggwangjang Arena in Anyang, ended in a 95-78 defeat for Qatar as part of their preparation for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The match was fiercely competitive across all four quarters. Qatar started strong, leading 24-15 in the first quarter. However, South Korea, under the guidance of coach An Jun-ho, regained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Qatar 27-12. In the third quarter, Qatar fought back to take a narrow 59-58 lead, but consecutive three-pointers from South Korea's Lee Hyun-jung and Yoo Jun-seok shifted the tide, with the hosts closing the quarter ahead 27-22. In the final quarter, South Korea dominated, capitalizing on Qatar's physical fatigue with precise outside shooting and organized offensive plays, securing a 26-20 scoreline to clinch the game 95-78.
Qatar had previously faced South Korea in a friendly on Friday, falling 90-71. That match provided a valuable opportunity for Qatar's coaching staff, led by Turkish coach Hakan Demir, to test various defensive and offensive strategies while giving extended playing time to a wide range of players.
The training camp was attended by Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, who closely followed the team's preparations. The delegation was led by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Director of National Teams and General Secretary of the Federation.
This camp marks the third phase of Qatar's intensive preparation program, following earlier camps in Turkey and Doha. The team will now enter the final phase of their preparations, hosting an international friendly tournament at Lusail Multipurpose Arena from July 28 to August 1.
