Doha, July 27 (QNA) - The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) announced the completion of all organizational and technical preparations for the launch of the 2025 International Friendly Basketball Tournament, which will kick off tomorrow in Doha and continue until Aug. 1 at the Lusail Sports Hall.

Four Asian teams are set to participate in the tournament, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Iraq.

This tournament is part of the final phase of the Qatari national basketball team's preparatory program ahead of its anticipated participation in the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from Aug. 5-17, with the participation of 16 Asian teams.

QBF affirmed that all participating delegations arrived in Doha amid a warm welcome and impeccable organization, reflecting Qatar's ongoing commitment to providing the best possible sporting environment for regional and international tournaments.

The tournament kicks off Monday with a match between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Competition will then resume next Wednesday with a tough match between Qatar and Japan, followed by a match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

The tournament will conclude on Aug. 1 with a match between Saudi Arabia and Japan, followed by a match between Qatar and Iraq.

For his part, President of QBF Mohammed Saad Al Meghaiseeb emphasized that organizing the tournament comes within the framework of the QBF's commitment to providing the national team with quality training opportunities before the start of the continental championship. He added that this friendly international participation contributes to preparing the team in the best possible way, and also represents an opportunity to strengthen sporting relations with fellow federations, in line with the QBF's vision to develop the game technically and organizationally.

In turn, Secretary General of QBF and Director of National Teams Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari said that QBF confirms its complete readiness to host the international friendly tournament, in all organizational, technical, and logistical aspects. All the final touches have been put in place in coordination with the relevant authorities to provide an exemplary competitive atmosphere that reflects Qatar's image as a global sports destination.

Led by Turkish coach Hakan Demir, the Qatar national team roster includes Omar Mohammed Saad, Abdulrahman Saad, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, Zain Eldin Al Badri, Hajji Bobo Magassa, Babacar Dieng, Mohammed Al Sayed, Saidu Al Hajj Ndaye, Hamad Yassin, Mustafa Ndao, Ghassan Hajjar, Mahmoud Darwish, Tyler James Lee, Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, and Mohammed Brashar.

In the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 draw, Qatar is placed in Group A alongside Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. The team will commence its campaign against Lebanon on Aug. 6, followed by South Korea on Aug. 8, and Australia on Aug. 10.

The FIBA Asia Cup follows a group-stage format, with the top team from each group advancing directly to the quarterfinals, while second- and third-placed teams compete in crossover play-off matches. (QNA)