Qatari basketball continues to grow and impress fans

The State of Qatar has continued to impress the world with its exceptional sports achievements and successful hosting of numerous international tournaments. Among the most prominent is the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Furthermore, many officials have assumed important positions within international sports federations, elevating Qatar’s reputation on the global sports stage.
One such sport is basketball, which has been steadily advancing towards global recognition. A testament to this is Qatar’s honour in hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region. This decision was made during the FIBA’s meeting in the Philippines last April.
The international federation cited Qatar’s exceptional facilities and its dedication to developing basketball as key reasons for favouring Qatar’s bid. This commitment is further highlighted by Qatar’s successful hosting of major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, underscoring that this achievement is the result of continuous effort and success in Qatari sports.
Qatar’s bid also places special emphasis on legacy plans to contribute to the development of basketball in the region and the world. With the ready sports facilities for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, this edition is set to be the most sustainable in its history.
Qatar’s achievements in basketball have continued to grow, as evidenced by the historic election of HE Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani as the President of FIBA for the period 2023-2027.
This election took place during the General Assembly meeting of FIBA in Manila, Philippines, where he succeeded Hamane Niang, the former president of FIBA.
This marks the first time a Qatari figure has been elected to this esteemed global position, highlighting H E Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani’s contributions on both the continental and global levels. His extensive experience, including his previous role as vice-president of FIBA in the 2019 term and his five consecutive terms as president of the Asian Basketball Confederation until 2023, showcases his capacity to develop the sport. He was also president of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) and vice-president of Qatar Olympic Committee.
President of FIBA H E Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani expressed in a statement to Qatar News Agency his great honour in taking up the responsibility. He emphasised his unwavering commitment to working closely with FIBA’s leadership to contribute to the advancement of the sport.
He extended gratitude to Qatar’s leadership for their support of sports and athletes, as well as to the Qatar Olympic Committee and the QBF. He expressed his hope for the success of basketball in the region and the hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 at the highest level. In conclusion, he expressed his wish for Qatar’s flag to continue flying high in various international and continental arenas.
Qatar’s basketball achievements have not stopped here.
FIBA awarded the QBF the third place in development within the framework of FIBA’s 22nd General Assembly.
Qatar was recognized for its progress in 3x3 competitions for the period between 2021 and 2023, where it was one of the three best federations in the world.
This recognition reflects the federation’s effort to develop the game and won the prize of most developed in 3x3 competitions.
President of QBF Mohamed Saad al-Mughaiseeb praised this achievement, highlighting the federation’s ongoing commitment to the game’s development.
As Qatar continues its journey of hosting major events, such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, preparations are underway for the AFC Asian Cup 2023, Qatar’s third time hosting after 1988 and 2011.
Additionally, Qatar is set to host the World Table Tennis Championships in 2025 and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. Moreover, Qatar earned the honour of hosting the 21st Asian Games in 2030, solidifying its status as a global sports capital.
After achieving the victory, the President of the federation remarked that being ranked third by the international federation signifies a new challenge.
He emphasized that they now face the task of progressing further and aiming for a higher position in the upcoming period.
Secretary-General of QBF Saadoun Subah al-Kuwari extended his congratulations to all those involved, including players, coaches, and administrators. He praised their dedicated efforts throughout the past period, which significantly contributed to the advancement of the sport.
Al-Kuwari further added that the recognition bestowed upon the basketball federation by the international body encourages them to redouble their efforts. Their goal is to continue pushing for more improvements and wider dissemination of the sport.