Doha: The Qatar U23 3×3 basketball team accomplished a remarkable and well-earned 17-15 victory over Fiji in their concluding group-stage match at the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, which took place in Shenyang, China, from September 17-21, 2025. This hard-fought win in the fourth and final round of Group D came after a challenging 21-11 defeat to Latvia earlier on Saturday, September 20.
Despite a difficult beginning to the tournament, with losses against the United States (21-15) and the host nation China (21-18), the Qatari team demonstrated resilience and determination. Their success against Fiji emphasized their capability to compete with leading global teams in the youth category, finishing the group stage on a positive note.
The match against Fiji featured outstanding performances from the Qatari team, with Mohammed Basheer leading the scoring with eight vital points. Mustafa Ndao contributed five points, while Mahmoud Darwish and Mubarak Jama each added two points, ensuring a narrow two-point victory. The team’s ability to implement tactical strategies and maintain control of the game’s tempo highlighted their increasing skill on the international stage.
The delegation is led by Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, General Secretary of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) and Director of National Teams, alongside Captain Yassin Ismail, Manager of the 3×3 Basketball Team. Both officials closely supported the players, providing technical and motivational guidance throughout the tournament.
Mr. Al Kuwari praised the team’s perseverance, stating, “Our players demonstrated remarkable fighting spirit. Competing against top-tier international teams has been an invaluable experience for our young athletes. This victory over Fiji is a significant morale boost and reflects the progress of Qatari 3×3 basketball.”
Captain Yassin Ismail expressed satisfaction with the team’s technical performance and competitive spirit, adding, “Our players performed exceptionally, implementing our tactical plans despite earlier challenges. Facing strong teams from various continents will greatly benefit the team’s future development. We are proud of their efforts and look forward to achieving more in the upcoming stages.”
Qatar’s participation in the World Cup follows their outstanding performance in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 Nations League, where they clinched titles in the third and sixth stops hosted by the QBF in Doha, amassing 520 points. This achievement secured their place among the world’s elite 3×3 youth teams, reflecting the QBF’s commitment to developing young talent and preparing them for international competition. The team now heads into the knockout stages with renewed confidence.
