Doha, September 27 (QNA) - President of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaisib praised Qatar's 3x3 national basketball team for securing silver at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, marking its second consecutive runner-up finish in the event.

Speaking while receiving the team delegation at Hamad International Airport, Al Mughaisib said the result underlined the progress of Qatari basketball and the national team's ability to compete at the highest level in Asia.

He credited the team's success to the continued support for Qatari sport and national teams, as well as the players' strong performances throughout the tournament. Qatar won five consecutive games on its way to the final, where it fell 19-10 to South Korea.

Al Mughaisib said reaching the final for a second straight Asian Games was an important milestone for Qatari basketball and would provide further impetus to build on the team's progress, particularly as Qatar prepares to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.

He also praised the work of the Federation's technical and administrative teams, saying the result reflected the steady development of 3x3 basketball in Qatar and its growing presence at major continental competitions.

QBF Secretary-General, National Teams Director and Head of the Qatar basketball delegation at the Asian Games, Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, said the consecutive silver medals reflected the team's sustained progress and ability to compete deep into major Asian competitions.

He said Qatar produced a strong campaign from the outset, topping its group before defeating Mongolia in the quarter-finals and Iran in the semi-finals to reach the gold-medal game.

Al Kuwari acknowledged that the team's goal had been to win gold, but said the silver medal remained a significant result given the strength of the Asian field. He praised the players and coaching and administrative staffs and said the team would build on the experience as it prepares for its next challenges.

Meanwhile, Qatar 3x3 National Teams Director Yassin Ismail praised the players' performances, saying the run to the final was the product of sustained preparation and hard work.

He said the team showed consistency, composure and the ability to adapt under pressure throughout the tournament, adding that the second consecutive Asian Games silver would provide additional motivation for further development. (QNA)