Qatar basketball team depart for FIBA Asia Cup 2025

Doha: The delegation of Qatar’s senior national basketball team departed on Sunday morning for Jeddah to participate in the 31st edition of the FIBA Asia Cup. The tournament is set to run from August 5 to 17, 2025, featuring 16 Asian national teams.Leading the delegation is Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, General-Secretary of Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams. He is supported by Jasim Ibrahim Ashkanani as team manager and Nabil Jumaa as administrative assistant.The team is under the technical guidance of Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, assisted by Cengiz Karadag, Abdu Su, Attila Yabgir, and Mohammad Foral. The medical staff includes Dr. Adel Selim, Dr. Adel Hormia, and physiotherapist Nikasio Sagayno.The 12-player roster comprises: Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, Seydou Ndiaye, Zinedine Bedri, Tyler Harris, Elhadji Magassa, Omar Saad, Mustafa Ndao, Mohamed Bashir, Babacar Dieng, Abdulrahman Saad, and Mahmoud Darwish.The tournament draw placed Qatar in Group A alongside Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon—a particularly challenging group given the rankings and competitive levels of the participating teams. Qatar’s opening match in the continental competition will be against South Korea on August 6, followed by Lebanon on August 8, and concluding the group stage with a tough encounter against Australia on August 10.Group B consists of Japan, Iran, Syria, and Guam. Group C includes China, Jordan, India, and Saudi Arabia. Group D features the Philippines, New Zealand, Iraq, and Chinese Taipei.The event follows a group-stage format, where the top team from each group advances directly to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the second- and third-placed teams will compete in crossover elimination matches to determine the remaining qualifiers.

Team Qatar advance to 20th in world volleyball rankings

Lausanne: Team Qatar have climbed to 20th place in the latest world rankings for national volleyball teams, according to the most recent update issued by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).This significant progress comes on the heels of the team's outstanding performance in the inaugural edition of the West Asia Men's Volleyball Championship, recently concluded in the Bahraini capital, Manama. Qatar secured the title after a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts Bahrain in the final. As a result of this achievement, Qatar earned 166.45 points in the world rankings.At the top of the rankings, Poland retained the number one position with 390.90 points, followed by Italy in second place with 377.26 points, and France in third with 353.60 points. Brazil came in fourth with 350.51 points.

Qatar National Basketball Team Conclude Friendly Tournament with Hard-Fought Victory Over Iraq

Doha: Qatar’s national basketball team closed out their campaign in the 2025 International Friendly Tournament on a high note, edging out Iraq 77–73 in a competitive encounter at Lusail Multipurpose Arena. The four-nation tournament, organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation, featured teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Iraq.Team Qatar delivered a commanding performance in the final game, executing head coach Hakan Demir’s tactical game plan with precision. They took early control of the match, winning the first quarter 19–15 through disciplined defense and fluid ball movement. Iraq rallied in the second quarter, capitalizing on defensive gaps to edge the frame 25–22 and level the contest.In the third quarter, Qatar regained momentum with a sharper offensive rhythm, pulling ahead 22–17. Although Iraq managed to take the final quarter 16–14, the Qatari side held firm in the closing minutes to secure a confidence-boosting four-point victory.Tyler James Lee Harris led Qatar’s scoring with an outstanding 25-point performance, showcasing his ability from beyond the arc and driving through the defense with authority. Iraq’s Ihab Hassan impressed for his side, contributing 15 points and anchoring both ends of the floor.The final day of the tournament was attended by prominent figures, including Qatar Basketball Federation President Mohammed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb and Secretary General Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, alongside team officials and leading personalities from the Qatari basketball community. Earlier in the day, Japan defeated Saudi Arabia 85–78.Qatar concluded the tournament with two wins and one loss—opening with a 82–78 win over Saudi Arabia, followed by a 103–92 defeat to Japan, and finishing with a strong performance against Iraq. The tournament provided the team with vital competitive exposure ahead of the 31st FIBA Asia Cup.The FIBA Asia Cup will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17, 2025, with 16 teams competing. Qatar is placed in Group A alongside regional heavyweights Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. They will open their campaign against South Korea on August 6, face Lebanon on August 8, and conclude the group stage with a clash against Australia on August 10.The tournament follows a group-stage format, with the top team from each group advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Second- and third-placed teams will battle in crossover elimination matches for the remaining spots in the last eight.Qatar’s preparations for the Asia Cup included an intensive overseas training camp in Turkey from June 19 to July 3, followed by a domestic phase in Doha that featured two friendlies against India. The team then traveled to Seoul for a series of matches with South Korea from July 16 to 21, before returning home to compete in the friendly tournament.With momentum on their side and valuable match experience gained, Team Qatar heads into the Asia Cup with renewed confidence and determination to compete at the highest level. 

Qatar Basketball Federation announces team Qatar roster for FIBA Asia Cup 2025

Doha: The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) has officially announced the 12-player roster for the Qatar national team ahead of the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17, 2025. The continental tournament brings together 16 of Asia’s top national teams in a highly competitive showdown.The final squad features a mix of international experience and emerging talent: Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, Seydou Ndiaye, Zain Eddin Badri, Tyler Harris, Adji Magassa, Omar Saad, Mustafa Ndaw, Mohamed Bashir, Babacar Dieng, Abdulrahman Saad, and Mahmoud Darwish. Turkish coach Hakan Demir will lead the technical staff, supported by assistants Cengiz Karadag, Abdo Sou, Attila Yapcilar, and Mohamed Fural.The Qatari delegation will be headed by QBF Secretary General and Director of National Teams Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, with Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani as Team Manager and Nabil Juma as Assistant Manager. The medical team includes Dr. Adel Salem, Dr. Adel Hormia, and physiotherapist Nikasio Sagayno.Qatar has been drawn in Group A, alongside basketball powerhouses Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. The team begins its campaign on August 6 against South Korea, followed by clashes with Lebanon on August 8 and Australia on August 10. The Asia Cup adopts a group-stage format, with group leaders advancing directly to the quarterfinals, while second- and third-placed teams will compete in crossover elimination matches for the remaining spots.As the senior team prepares for the continental stage, Qatar’s reserve national team recently concluded its participation in the 26th Arab Men’s National Teams Championship held in Bahrain. Competing against six other teams — Bahrain, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, the UAE, and Kuwait — the young Qatari squad showcased resilience and promise.In their final match on August 2 at Khalifa Sports City Arena, Qatar narrowly lost to Tunisia 72–79 in a spirited contest. Tunisia took early control, leading 22–14 and 29–17 in the first two quarters. However, Qatar mounted a strong second-half comeback, winning the third quarter 22–18 and dominating the fourth 19–10, narrowing the deficit to just seven points by the final whistle. Dejan Janjic led Qatar with a standout 32-point performance, while Tunisia’s Osama Al-Marhawi topped his side with 21 points.Qatar concluded the Arab Championship with 8 points, registering wins over Kuwait (72–69) and the UAE (78–71), alongside losses to Bahrain, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia. The campaign provided valuable experience for the reserve squad and reaffirmed the depth of talent within Qatari basketball.As both squads continue to develop, the Qatar Basketball Federation remains committed to strengthening the national program and elevating Qatar’s status on the regional and international stage.

Team Qatar riders shine at Longines Global Champions Tour for Young Riders in the Netherlands

Valkenswaard: Qatari equestrian athletes delivered an impressive showing at the Longines Global Champions Tour for Young Riders, held in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. Competing against top international talent, Team Qatar riders secured notable results across multiple categories, underscoring the nation’s growing stature in the global equestrian arena.In the CSI2* 125 cm category, Saad Al Qahtani stood out with a remarkable performance that earned him a spot among the event’s leading contenders.In the juniors’ 135 cm division, Haya Khalid Al Hetmi represented Qatar with poise and technical skill, posting a strong and commendable result. Meanwhile, Sultan Salem Al Nuaimi impressed in the youth 135 cm category, finishing in an advanced position amid fierce competition.The 120 cm juniors’ category also saw standout performances from Suhaim Hamad Al Yafi and Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, with Suhaim further distinguishing himself in the CSI2* 115 cm event.These results reflect the continued progress of Qatari equestrian sport and highlight the steady development of young national riders on the international stage. The strong performances are a testament to the ongoing support and strategic efforts invested in elevating Qatar’s presence in elite equestrian competitions.

Team Qatar defeat Kuwait in Arab Basketball Championship

Manama: The Qatari Reserve Team defeated Kuwaiti counterpart 72-69 on Friday in the 4th round of the 26th Arab Basketball Championship held in Bahrain, which concludes on Saturday.The match witnessed intense competition, reflecting the intensity of the competition in this edition of the tournament. The Qatari team managed to end the first period in their favor by one point (18-17), before the Kuwaiti team turned the tables and led 23-21, before ending the third period in its favor 17-16.In the fourth period, the Qatari team imposed its style and succeeded in winning the final period 17-12, securing the victory and raising their score to 7 points, while the Kuwaiti team reached 5 points, finishing last in the standings.This is the second consecutive victory for the Qatari reserve team in the tournament, following their 78-71 victory over the UAE in the previous round.The Qatari team will conclude its participation in the tournament tomorrow, Saturday, by facing its Tunisian team, who have 9 points.