Manama, November 21 (QNA) - The Qatari national team secured second place in the Gulf 3x3 Basketball Championship for under-21 youth and girls, held in Bahrain over two days with the participation of 10 Gulf teams representing Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
In the youth competition, the Qatari team, comprised of Mohammed Saeed Badri, Mohamedou Adama Diop, Ghassan Hajar, and Owen Ekena Ammah, finished second after losing 14-18 in the final match to Bahrain B, who claimed first place. Bahrain A finished third.
The Qatari team competed in Group A, losing their opening match to Bahrain B 10-16, then winning their second match against Oman A 17-9, before advancing to the semi-finals with a 16-15 victory over Bahrain A.
In the girls' category, the Qatari team, comprised of Sara Zayed Mohammed Al Maadheed, Naziha Hossam, Tala Al Tawil, and Tania Al Tawil, secured second place after losing the final match 8-21 to Bahrain, who claimed first place. Oman finished third.
The Qatari team competed in Group B, winning their opening match against Oman 8-6. They then lost their second match to Bahrain 12-18, before defeating Kuwait 14-4 to advance to the semifinals. There, they triumphed over Oman 5-2, securing their place in the final.
Regarding the participation, Secretary General of the Gulf Basketball Federation Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, and Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation, said that the tournament was a significant milestone in the development of basketball among Gulf national teams.
He noted that the participation was exceptional, showcasing high levels of skill and reflecting the significant technical work and growing interest in this age group.
He expressed pride in the levels demonstrated by the Gulf teams in this edition, particularly the Qatari youth and girls' teams, whose strong presence and success in reaching the podium confirms that the Qatari Federation is on the right track with its programs to develop the youth base.
He noted that partnership and cooperation among the Gulf federations are the cornerstone of the success of such tournaments.
He also commended the significant efforts made by the Bahrain Basketball Federation in the excellent organization and provision of an ideal competitive environment for the teams.
He pointed out that the Gulf Federation will continue working to enhance the tournament calendar for age groups and develop player preparation programs, as part of its strategy to elevate 3x3 competitions to higher levels, increase their popularity, and empower young people to gain advanced competitive experience in preparation for continental and international participation. (QNA)