Bahrain players celebrate with their trophy and medals.
Doha, Qatar: Bahrain completed a perfect campaign with four consecutive victories to emerge champions of the Gulf U-18 qualifiers in Doha, while Qatar came second in the five-team competition.
Both Qatar and Bahrain earned qualification for the FIBA U-18 Asia Cup which will be held in Ahmedabad, India, from August 13 to 23.
Bahrain topped the standings with eight points, Qatar finished with seven, Saudi Arabia claimed third place with six points after defeating Oman 99-74, while Oman ended fourth with five points and Kuwait finished fifth with four.
Qatar concluded the tournament with a 77-45 defeat to Bahrain in the final round yesterday at Al Gharafa Sports Hall.
Bahrain took control from the opening quarter, leading 20-14 before extending the advantage with a dominant 25-9 second quarter.
The champions also won the third period 17-14 before completing the victory with a 15-8 fourth quarter.
Qatar Basketball Federation President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaisib and officials pose for a photo with Team Qatar players.
Despite the defeat, Qatar had already achieved its primary objective by booking a place at the continental Championship with one match to spare.
The hosts opened their campaign with an 80-76 victory over Saudi Arabia before defeating Kuwait 81-53 and Oman 80-67.
Following the final, Qatar Basketball Federation President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaisib presented Bahrain with the championship trophy and gold medals, while QBF Secretary-General and National Teams Director Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari awarded the silver medals to the Qatar players.
Al Mughaisib praised the team’s achievement, saying qualification for the Asian Championship had been the federation’s main objective.
“The team fulfilled its mission by reaching the Asian finals, which was our main target before the qualifiers. We will now focus on preparing the squad optimally for the continental competition to ensure they represent Qatari basketball at the highest level,” he said.
He also congratulated the players, coaching staff and administrators for their commitment and performances throughout the tournament.
The Asia Cup also serves as a qualifier for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup Czech Republic 2027, with four places available.
The successful staging of the Gulf qualifiers also highlighted Qatar’s continued commitment to hosting major basketball events as the country prepares for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, which will be held from August 27 to September 12, 2027, marking the first time the tournament will be staged in the Middle East and North Africa.
