Singapore: Qatar’s national 3×3 basketball team launched its campaign at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 with an impressive 16-11 victory over India in the opening Group D match, showcasing strong tactical discipline and offensive control from the outset.
The win came on the back of decisive plays under the basket and effective limitation of India’s threats, despite the South Asian side entering the tournament with momentum from the qualifying rounds.
The match in Singapore was attended by H.E. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al-Malki Al-Jehani, Qatar’s Ambassador to Singapore, whose presence provided significant morale support to the players and underscored the country’s commitment to sports diplomacy.
In their second group encounter, Qatar faced a formidable New Zealand side, one of Asia-Oceania’s top 3×3 teams, and fell 11-21 after encountering intense physical pressure and swift transitions.
Despite the defeat, Qatar secured qualification to the quarter-finals and will face China on April 5. China, from Group B, lost to Malaysia 19-21 but defeated Australia 21-15.
Qatar’s participation forms part of the Qatar Basketball Federation’s long-term strategy to develop the 3×3 format through regular exposure to continental and international competition, allowing players to gain valuable experience against varied styles in a discipline that has grown rapidly since its Olympic inclusion.
The Qatari delegation in Singapore is led by Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, along with Captain Yaseen Ismail, Director of 3×3 National Teams. The technical staff is headed by Coach Marco, with the squad comprising Mohammed Hashem Zidan, Mubarak Jama, Dejan Janic, and Nedim Muslic.
The tournament brings together 22 Asian teams, including powerhouses such as Mongolia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and hosts Singapore.
Following the group stage, Al-Kuwari described the opening win against India as a positive confidence booster, noting that the team successfully imposed its style and followed tactical instructions well.
“We achieved an important win at the start against India, 16-11, which gives the players confidence. We succeeded in imposing our style early and adhered well to tactical instructions. However, bigger challenges lie ahead in this strong tournament,” he said.
On the New Zealand match, he added: “Facing New Zealand was a true test of our capabilities. They are a team with great experience, physical strength, and speed, which made the match difficult. Such games are essential for gaining experience and improving performance.”
Al-Kuwari confirmed that the coaching staff is already addressing observations from both matches ahead of the quarter-final, emphasising gradual development and the goal of presenting a strong image of Qatari basketball.
He also expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s support, calling it a major morale boost.
Captain Yaseen Ismail described the Asia Cup as a key milestone in the team’s development plan, highlighting clear progress in the first two matches despite the challenging group.
“The start was good with the win over India, where the players showed focus and discipline, executing tactical instructions well, which was reflected in both the result and performance,” Ismail said.
He noted that the New Zealand encounter offered a stark contrast in rhythm, physicality, and experience, adding that such contests are vital for elevating the players’ level.
Ismail reaffirmed that Qatar’s involvement aligns with a broader strategy to strengthen 3×3 basketball through direct competition against Asia’s elite teams and diverse playing styles.
The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup continues to serve as a major platform for assessing performance in the fast-paced format, drawing significant international attention.
