Draw held for Gulf U-16 Basketball Championship in Bahrain

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June 30, 2025
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30-June-2025

Draw held for Gulf U-16 Basketball Championship in Bahrain

The Gulf Basketball Federation, in coordination with the Bahrain Basketball Federation, has finalized preparations for the upcoming Gulf U-16 Basketball Championship, set to take place in Manama, Bahrain from July 22 to 27, 2025. The tournament will feature six teams: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait, with all games to be held at the Umm Al Hassam Sports Hall.

This edition of the championship carries added significance, as both the winner and the runner-up will qualify directly for the U-16 Asian Cup Finals, scheduled for September 2025 in Mongolia.

Speaking on the occasion, Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary-General of both the Qatar and Gulf Basketball Federations, expressed his hopes for a successful and competitive tournament, urging teams to showcase the high level of technical ability that has come to define Gulf basketball.

“We are committed to delivering an outstanding championship that reflects the progress of the sport in the region,” Al-Kuwari noted. “This event is not just a qualifying tournament, but a platform to raise standards, promote competition, and spotlight emerging talent.”

He emphasized the growing stature of youth basketball in the Gulf and highlighted the collaboration with the Asian Basketball Confederation, noting that granting two direct qualification spots to the Asian Cup is a recognition of the region’s progress in youth development.

“This tournament offers young players a valuable opportunity to compete at a high level and prepares national teams for future continental and international challenges,” he added.

Group Draw and Match Schedule

Following the draw, the six teams were split into two groups:
Group A: Qatar, Kuwait, UAE
Group B: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman
The competition kicks off on July 22, with Qatar facing Kuwait at 5:00 PM, followed by Bahrain vs Oman at 7:30 PM.
On July 23, Qatar takes on the UAE at 5:00 PM, and Oman meets Saudi Arabia at 7:30 PM.
The group stage concludes on July 24, with Kuwait vs UAE at 5:00 PM, and a final group clash between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at 7:30 PM.
July 25 will be a rest day for all teams.

According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on July 26, with the winner of Group A facing the runner-up of Group B, and vice versa. The final matchday will determine which two teams earn a spot at the U-16 Asian Cup Finals in Mongolia.