The 2023 FISU University World Cup 3X3 Basketball Championship, hosted and organised by the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF), began on an exciting note yesterday with matches in Pools B and C for both men and women.
The championship is being held in Qatar and the region for the first time.
In all, 24 universities from 17 countries are participating in the three-day event, which is being held at the Qatar University Sports and Events Complex in Doha.
The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) and Qatar University are representing Qatar in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively.
The opening ceremony was attended by QCSF President Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi, FISU Acting President Leonz Eder, and other dignitaries.
During his opening address, Dr al-Naimi thanked everyone for attending, and he extended his appreciation to the local organising committee and all who had contributed to putting the event together.
“Let’s together share the sense of the game, the sense of solidarity, the sense of love, and the sense of mutual respect during this amazing three-day amazing championship,” he said. FISU Acting President Leonz Eder appreciated Qatar’s hospitality, warm welcome, and organisational capabilities. He praised the positive efforts of partners and sponsors, stating that this championship is just the beginning of the cooperation between FISU and QCSF in future sports events.
“It’s been great coming to Qatar, and I would like to thank QCSF for the wonderful organisation and hospitality we are experiencing and enjoying at the tournament that has surpassed all expectations. I have no doubt that all the competitors are having a good time as well as showcasing their talents at this great event. I wish everyone all the best while wishing all the players good luck,” he added. In the women’s category, Royal International University, Mongolia, and American University, Cairo topped Pools B and C, respectively, to advance into the quarter-finals after winning all their matches in the pool.
Royal International University, Mongolia, defeated United States International University-Africa, Kenya, 21-11 in their opening match before narrowly edging Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, Monterrey Campus, 21-18 in their second match, where they almost gave up a seven-point lead, to qualify for the last eight.
American University, Cairo, on the other hand, bested Lincoln University, New Zealand, 16-13 and then defeated the University of Doha for Science and Technology 21-9 to earn their qualification berth.
In the men’s category, Australia’s University of Sydney from Pool B and Sumy State University, Ukraine, from Pool C secured their quarter-final berths after emerging undefeated from their pools.
Enroute the quarters, the University of Sydney, Australia, defeated the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, 19-16 and later won 22-16 against Qatar University.
Sumy State University, Ukraine, meanwhile, defeated United States International University-Africa, Kenya, 21-10, and Pontifical Catholic University, Chile, 21-9.
