FIBA 3X3 Lusail Challenger gets off to a strong start

2-May-2025

FIBA 3X3 Lusail Challenger gets off to a strong start

Doha: In a prestigious sporting environment and with an impressive turnout, the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) inaugurated the FIBA 3x3 Lusail Challenger on the evening of May 2, 2025, at Al Saad Square in Darb Lusail.

This championship is organized directly by the Federation, under the oversight of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in collaboration with Qatari Diar.

The competition will run until Saturday, May 3, 2025. The Lusail 3x3 Challenger International Championship marks a significant step towards qualifying for the Masters tournaments within the 3x3 World Tour. This event is part of a series of initiatives by the State of Qatar in preparation for hosting the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, underscoring the nation's steadfast dedication to advancing the sport and enhancing its global visibility.

The current edition of the tournament features 16 top-tier international teams from various continents, showcasing its esteemed status on the global 3x3 stage. The participating teams include: From Europe: Toulouse (France), Leman and Partizan (Serbia), Lugano (Switzerland), Kandava (Latvia), Kaunas (Lithuania), and Marbella (Spain). From the Americas: Carolina (Puerto Rico), New York Harlem (USA). From Asia and Africa: Kigali (Rwanda), Nishinomiya (Japan). From the host nation: Five teams representing Qatar: Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, Al Gharafa, Al Khor, and Doha.

The opening day was graced by the presence of QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughesib; H E Timmy Davis, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Qatar; Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, QBF Secretary General; and Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the 3x3 Committee at the QB. Numerous officials and guests commended the exceptional organization and professional atmosphere surrounding the tournament's organisation.

The event is being held in the vibrant Al Saad Square located in Darb Lusail, which was converted into a dynamic open sports arena filled with energy and competition. Fans of basketball from diverse nationalities gathered to witness remarkable athletic performances and technical prowess in a distinctive urban setting that merges sports, culture, and entertainment. This tournament is a significant promotional and experimental step towards the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

QB, in collaboration with its partners, is dedicated to organizing high-quality tournaments that enhance the standard of the game and foster an optimal environment for future international events.

The opening day of the tournament showcased a series of thrilling games that highlighted the competitive nature of the event. The Lithuanian team Kaunas commenced its journey with a 21-15 win against Qatar's Al Gharafa, followed by another victory over Japan's Nishinomiya (21-15). However, they faced a setback in the key game of the group against Serbia's Partizan, losing 21-19. Meanwhile, Qatar's Doha team secured two significant wins, first defeating Al Khor 21-13 and then achieving a strong victory over Rwanda's Kigali 21-18, although they were ultimately defeated by Puerto Rico's Carolina 21-13. Japan's Nishinomiya began their campaign with a decisive win against Al Gharafa, finishing 21-9, while Rwanda's Kigali managed a narrow victory over Al Khor with a score of 16-14. The round also featured impressive victories for Serbia's Leman against Qatar's Al Rayyan (21-14) and for France's Toulouse against Qatar's Al Wakrah (21-11).

For his part, QBF President and General Manager of the Organizing Committee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, Mohammed bin Saad Al Mugheiseeb, expressed his great happiness at organizing the Lusail 3x3 Challenger International Championship under the supervision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in cooperation with Qatari Diar.

Al-Mughaseeb added that this tournament, considered one of the most prominent international 3x3 basketball tournaments, comes at the beginning of the international professional tour season, making it a significant sporting event on a global level.

Al-Mughaseeb noted that the tournament is witnessing the participation of 16 teams from more than 12 countries around the world, including Olympic medal-winning teams, adding significant sporting value to the event.

Al-Mughaseeb emphasized that the Lusail 3x3 Challenger Championship serves as a springboard towards the 2027 World Cup and will contribute to highlighting the strength and position of the State of Qatar in organizing major sporting events worldwide.

He added that Lusail Sports Company, with its generous support through sponsorship of this tournament, contributes to highlighting the importance of this event, as participants compete to collect points that qualify them for future tournaments.

Al-Mughaiseeb also extended his sincere thanks to Qatari Diar for its continued sponsorship of this important sporting event, expressing his hope that their annual cooperation will continue, especially since Darb Al Saad in Lusail represents a sports tourism destination that combines sports and tourism in one place.

Al-Mughaiseeb praised the World Cup Organizing Committee for its great support for this event, noting that the tournament is one of the promotional tournaments for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, enhancing Qatar's position on the global sports scene. He extended his thanks to all participating and supporting entities for this event, and said,

Al-Mughaiseeb also emphasized that QBF is always keen to hold promotional tournaments in distinct tourist locations within Qatar, with the aim of integrating sports with tourism.

Al-Mughaiseeb also added in his statements that preparations are currently underway for the World Cup Qualifiers Draw ceremony on May 12 and 13, 2025, along with a pre-qualifiers workshop. He noted that the event will bring together approximately 80 countries and attract approximately 200 people, including the signing of new sports agreements with the International Federation.

Al-Mughaiseeb indicated that following the draw, FIBA will hold its 2025 Congress and Celebrity Awards ceremony, which will be held from May 14 to 18, 2025, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Qatari delegation is scheduled to include members of the QBF and the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Organizing Committee.

His Excellency Timmy Davis, the US Ambassador to the State of Qatar, expressed his pleasure at attending the tournament, stressing that the championship embodies Qatar's advanced position on the global sports scene, particularly in 3x3 basketball.

His Excellency said: "What we are witnessing today in Doha is a vivid reflection of the growth of 3x3 basketball around the world, and Qatar is once again demonstrating its leadership in organizing major sporting events with exceptional quality. This dynamic and exciting sport is gaining widespread popularity thanks to its simplicity and excitement, and supporting such tournaments enhances its momentum and provides players from around the world with a platform to shine."

He added: "The presence of teams from different continents, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, in one tournament here in Lusail underscores the growing global nature of this sport. The presence of American teams is a source of pride for us and reflects the strong ties between the sports communities." His Excellency concluded by saying: "I congratulate the Qatar Basketball Federation on this distinguished organization, and I look forward to seeing more of these successful tournaments that bring the world together in Qatar."

*A Pivotal Milestone in the 3x3 Championships Map*
Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation, said: "We are proud of the organizational success of the Lusail 3x3 Challenger International Championship, which is a pivotal milestone in the regional and international 3x3 championships map. It also comes as part of the Qatar Basketball Federation's commitment to expanding the base of this dynamic sport at the local and global levels."

He added: "In this edition, we were keen to attract an elite group of international teams to enhance the level of competition and provide a professional environment for our local players to enhance their technical level through this direct international exposure."

He continued: "Organizing this tournament in Al Saad Square in Darb Lusail reflects the federation's vision of promoting integration between sports and society and making basketball a part of the public urban space, in line with the country's plans to prepare optimally for hosting the 2027 World Cup."

Al Kuwari thanked the partners, Qatari Diar, and FIBA, for their continued support in making this unique initiative a success.

Mr. Darian Husko, FIBA Tournaments Supervisor, commented on the tournament: "3x3 basketball is seeing rapid growth in Qatar and globally, and I am pleased to witness this amazing development through the Challenger Lusail 2025 tournament held in Doha."

He said: "During my second visit to Qatar, after a two-year absence, I noticed a qualitative leap in the number of participating teams and the overall technical level, especially from the Qatari teams, which have become more present and competitive, reflecting the development of the local base for this sport."

He continued: "The presence of this number of teams from different continents, including Africa, Asia, and Europe, reflects the growing global nature of this sport, which has been further enhanced by its Olympic status since its inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Games."

He explained that 3x3 basketball is currently the fastest-growing sport within the Olympic Games, and Qatar's highly professional organization of these tournaments contributes to strengthening the country's position as a regional and international platform for hosting elite competitions. Qatar's commitment to developing this sport is a model to be emulated regionally and globally.