Doha: The Qatari men’s national basketball team triumphed in Stage 6 of the FIBA U23 3×3 Nations League – Asia-Pacific. The tournament, which took place from May 28 to June 3 at the Federation Hall in Al Gharafa, included participants from Qatar (the host), New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei, with six teams competing in each category.
The Qatari team secured the championship after a thrilling 17-14 victory in the final against New Zealand, marking a remarkable journey through the tournament, having previously defeated Chinese Taipei (21-9) and Indonesia (21-14) in the initial round. This accomplishment elevated the Qatari team’s score to 520 points, achieved by winning the third and sixth rounds and finishing second in the first, second, and fourth rounds. This progress brings the team closer to qualifying for the World Championships, which are set to take place in Xiong’an, China, from September 17 to 21, while other continental qualifiers await the conclusion of their respective qualifying rounds.
The New Zealand team secured second place in the sixth round after reaching the final by overcoming the Philippines (18-16) and Singapore (21-19). Meanwhile, the New Zealand team accumulated 560 points, having won the first, second, fourth, and fifth rounds, while finishing second in the third and sixth rounds.
The Philippines claimed third place with 420 points, followed by Singapore with 325 points, Chinese Taipei with 305 points, and Indonesia with 300 points. The Qatari men’s national team is comprised of Hamad Yassin Ismail Musa, Zeineddine Badri, Nizar Mahmoud, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, and Mubarak Jama.
In the women’s competition, New Zealand secured victory in the sixth round by defeating Chinese Taipei in the final game with a score of 21-19, elevating their total points to 480, placing them in second position. The Philippines led the overall standings with 530 points, while Chinese Taipei followed in third place with 480 points, Singapore ranked fourth with 360 points, Indonesia was fifth with 310 points, and the Qatari national team rounded out the standings in sixth place with 270 points.
The tournament was graced by the presence of Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughaseeb, President of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF); His Excellency Timmy Davis, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Qatar; Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the 3×3 Committee at the Federation; Talal Saad Al-Mughaseeb, Tournament Director; along with several officials and guests of the tournament.
At the conclusion of the event, Al-Mughaseeb and His Excellency the US Ambassador presented the champions of the sixth stage, the Qatari men’s and New Zealand women’s national teams, with their awards. Additionally, the New Zealand men’s and Philippines women’s national teams were recognized for their achievements in leading the overall standings and officially qualifying for the World Championship.
QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughaseeb, remarked: “We take great pride in the exceptional performance of our national youth team, which exemplifies the ongoing efforts and strategy implemented by the Association to enhance the 3×3 game at the youth level.”
He added: “Winning this stage of the Nations League amid strong competition confirms that Qatar has a rising generation of basketball talent, and hosting the tournament at this distinguished level further enhances Qatar’s position as a regional and international sports hub.”
Al-Mughaseeb concluded his statement by saying: “We aspire for more, and we will continue to support our players to ensure that Qatar is honorably represented in upcoming tournaments.” Special tribute to the US Ambassador
In a gesture that reflects the deep sporting and diplomatic relations between the two countries,the QBF President honoured His Excellency Ambassador Timmy Davis in appreciation of his presence and continued support for sporting events, and his role in strengthening sports cooperation between Qatar and the United States.
