Doha: The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) convened a press conference at its headquarters to disclose the specifics of hosting the inaugural West Asian Basketball Super League “Final 8” for the 2023-2024 season. The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 25 to early June at the Lusail Sports Hall.
Distinguished attendees at the press conference included Mr. Mohammed Saad Al Mughaiseeb, QBF President, Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, QBF Secretary-General, Dr. Khaled Al Qahtani, Chairman of the Federation’s Media Committee, and a contingent of media outlets.
In his opening remarks, QBF President Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, extended his congratulations to the Qatari basketball community for securing the opportunity to host the West Asian Basketball Super League “Final 8” finals in Doha for the first time.
He expressed his gratitude to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) for entrusting the State of Qatar with the responsibility of hosting this significant event. He emphasized that this tournament is part of Qatar’s journey towards hosting the prestigious 2027 Basketball World Cup Finals, which will be the first time the Middle East and North Africa region hosts such an event.
Furthermore, Al Mughaiseeb highlighted the intense level of competition among the participating clubs in the tournament and anticipated a substantial turnout from the Doha community. Notably, the tournament will feature teams such as Al Riyadi and Al Hikma from Lebanon, as well as Gulf teams including Al Kuwait and Kazma from Kuwait, Manama from Bahrain, and the Tamil Nadu Indian team.
Al Mughaiseeb, views this tournament as a significant chance to elevate Qatar’s status as a prominent sports destination and ignite the youth’s enthusiasm for basketball in both the country and the region. Additionally, it aims to stimulate tourism by attracting numerous visitors through major tournaments, thereby boosting tourism activity and strengthening the local economy. The convergence of sports, economic, and cultural aspects makes hosting the West Asian Basketball Super League finals, known as the “Final 8,” a crucial opportunity for growth and development in various domains within the country.
He acknowledged that the tournament will provide a valuable opportunity for Qatari personnel to participate in organizing the event and delivering various services. It could also serve as a suitable platform for conducting training workshops in areas such as operations, services, and transportation. This would enable our personnel to acquire the necessary experience and skills required to successfully organize large-scale sporting events prior to hosting the 2027 World Cup finals.
Al Mughaiseeb expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Qatar Olympic Committee for their tremendous support in ensuring the success of this tournament.
On the other hand, Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari affirms that Doha’s selection as the host city for the West Asian Basketball Super League “Final 8” finals reflects the confidence placed in the Qatar Basketball Federation and the capabilities of the State of Qatar in hosting and organizing global sporting events. This confidence is a result of the country’s exceptional sports infrastructure and its ability to provide a conducive environment for hosting major tournaments.
He states, “These events not only enhance Qatar’s standing on the international sports stage but also showcase its capacity to host significant sports competitions ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Moreover, they offer an opportunity for fans and tournament participants to immerse themselves in the tournament’s vibrant atmosphere.”
He stated that the QBF is fully ready to host the tournament despite time constraints, with the confidence of the International Federation FIBA in Qatar’s organizational capabilities being a key factor in granting the honor of organizing the “Final 8”.
The organizing committee has already secured hotels for the participating delegations, teams, referees, and dignitaries, with approximately 130 volunteers ready to assist. Al Kass Sports Channels will serve as the official broadcaster for the tournament. Tickets for the matches are now available for purchase at Virgin Store and other sales points, with additional outlets opening at the entrances to Lusail Hall for the convenience of fans.
Six teams from the FIBA WASL Sub-Zone Leagues make up the Final 8. Champions Kuwait Club spearhead the Gulf delegation that also has Manama as well as third-placed club, Kazma. The West Asia ensemble, meanwhile, features Al Riyadi, Shahrdary Gorgan, and Sagesse Sports Club.
All six will be joined by BC Astana (Central Asia) and Tamil Nadu (South Asia).
The electronic drawing of lots, attended by representatives from the Qatar Basketball Federation, BC Astana, and Tamil Nadu, confirmed the groups for the “Final 8”. The first group includes Al-Riyadi from Lebanon, Al-Manama from Bahrain, Al Hikma from Lebanon, and BC Astana from Kazakhstan, while the second group consists of Kuwait, Kazma from Kuwait, Shahrdari Gurgan from Iran, and Tamil Nadu from India.
The BCL Asia Basketball Champions League will hold its inaugural edition in Dubai from June 9 to 15.
The two teams that make it to the final round will secure a spot in this prestigious tournament.
Meanwhile, the West Asian Basketball Super League “Final 8” is set to kick off on May 25. The schedule includes matches between Kuwait and Timel Nadu at 3:00 p.m., Kazma and Gurgan at 6:00 p.m., and Manama and Al-Hikma at 9:00 p.m.
The games will take place at the Lusail gym. On the following day, Tenel Nadeau will face Gurgan at 3:00 p.m., followed by a Kuwaiti showdown between Kazma and Kuwait at 6:00 p.m. In the second group matches, Al-Riyadi will meet Astana at 9:00 p.m.
The competition continues on May 27 with a match between Astana and Manama at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Lebanese clash between wisdom and sports at 9:00 p.m. Kazma will then face Tenel Nadou at 6:00 p.m. on the same day, and Kuwait will take on Gurgan at 9:00 p.m. On May 29, Al Hikma will compete against Astana at 6:00 p.m., and Al Riyadi will face Manama at 9:00 p.m.
These matches will conclude the group stage. The semi-final matches are scheduled to begin on May 31, with the winners of the first and second groups facing the runners-up of the opposite groups. The following day, a match will determine the third-place winner, followed by the final match.
