Qatari star Yaseen Musa Ismail (left) in action in this December 13, 2013 file photo.
Qatar's most popular basketball player Yaseen Musa Ismail will take his final bow on November 11, it was announced yesterday.
Ismail, 38, has represented the country for more than two decades, winning events at home and abroad.
The farewell match - which was initially announced in June - will be played at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena, close to Al Sadd Stadium.
Two years ago, Ismail was part of the Qatari team that won the FIBA 3x3 World Championships in Russia.
Ismail also represtented Qatar at FIBA World and Asian Championships a number of times. Overall, Ismail has won 60 titles in his long career. In 2014, he helped Al Rayyan win the prestigious Arab Championship in Sale, Morocco. With Al Rayyan, he has won 46 trophies besides the tally of 16 with the national side.
"The farewell game will be played between Qatar's national side and a select squad of Al Rayyan and a few players from the Philippines," Rashid Nasser Al Khalifa, Vice-Chairman of Al Rayyan Club, said yesterday.
"Yaseen has had a distinguished career, winning many titles for Qatar. He is well respected for his long service to the sport and the teams he has represented," he said yesterday.
"We feel we are duty-bound to organise a game that would be remembered for Yaseen's amazing career," he said.
"The QOC Chairman Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and QBF President Sheikh Saoud bin Adulrehman Al Thani have praised Yaseen's contribution in taking the game forward in Qatar," Khalifa said.
"Yaseen is not just a national treasure, he also did amazingly well for Al Rayyan," Aljan Eid Al Enazi, Al Rayyan's Board Member, said.
"We feel proud that he provided us with so many glory moments over the course of two decades."
"He did well at home, across the Arab region and at international events," he said yesterday.
Ismail thanked QBF for announcing the farewell game.
"I am honoured that Qatar has organised this game. It has been a long journey and I have enjoyed every moment of it," Ismail said.
"I have given my very best for country and club. I have learned every day. I plan to continue helping my club and country whenever I am needed," he said.
"I take this opportunity to give thanks to QOC chairman, QBF President and Al Rayyan Chief and the club management for making my journey so enjoyable," he said.
“It is the right time to go, I feel. This is life. Every good thing has come to an end. You have to make a decision like that if you are a professional sports person," Ismail said.
“Twenty three years - it’s a long time. I was the captain of the Qatar national team and my Al Rayyan side. I have won more than 60 gold medals. It has been a great journey that I was part of the Qatar national team for 20 years and to be part of the Al Rayyan side.
“I feel it is the time to leave. That’s why I took the decision to create room for the younger generation to step forward,” said Ismail who stands 6 feet 8 inches tall.
"I want to thank my family, my coaches, my players and my fans for their support and praise. Al Rayyan is the club that made me what I am. I thank them from the bottom of my heart," he said.
Khalifa said Ismail is a dream employee for any organization.
"He always gave his best, never shirking from hard work. Every club or team he represented, praised him for his professionalism," he said.
"Qatar basketball is in a better place because of his contribution and selfless play," he said. "Yaseen is a role model for all kids," El Enazi said.
"We say that because he was a thorough professional. His fitness was never found wanting. We wish him best in his retirement. His tireless efforts made his time on court fun to watch," El Enazi said.
Movenpick, Alwatan newspaper, Qatar Informational and Marketing, Peak, Dimensions Engineering Consultant, Qvision Productions, gulfcrafts and Aspire Printing Press are sponsors of the farewell game.
Entry at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena will be free for the basketball fans, organisers said.
