FIBA Asia Cup participation good for Qatar team's future: Saadoun Al Kuwari
Doha
The 31st edition of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17, concluded with notable achievements for the Qatar national basketball team.
Organized by FIBA Asia, the tournament featured 16 teams, with Qatar competing in a challenging Group A alongside defending champions Australia (winners in 2017 and 2022), Lebanon, a four-time finalist and the most successful Arab team in the competition's history (2001, 2005, 2007, 2022), and South Korea, a powerhouse in Asian basketball.
Historically, Qatar has been a strong contender among Arab teams, securing podium finishes in 2003 and 2005, making them one of the region's most accomplished sides in the tournament's history.
Qatar's 2025 roster was a blend of youthful energy and seasoned talent, included 12 players: Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, Seydou Ndai, Zain Eddin Badri, Tyler Harris, Aladji Magassa, Omar Saad, Mustafa Ndao, Mohamed Bashir, Babacar Dieng, Abdulrahman Saad, and Mahmoud Darwish. With an average age of 25.2 years, Qatar fielded the youngest Arab team in the tournament, showcasing a promising future. The team also boasted an average height of 197 cm, providing a significant advantage in rebounding and interior defense compared to their competitors.
Under the guidance of Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, Qatar underwent an intensive preparation program that included training camps in Doha, Turkey, and South Korea, as well as friendly matches against high-caliber opponents. The coaching staff focused on enhancing physical fitness, strengthening defensive strategies, and developing fast-paced offensive plays that capitalized on the team's height and transition speed.
Qatar's participation in the Asia Cup served as a critical step in their long-term strategy to bolster their continental presence and prepare for the FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers, set to begin in November 2025. The tournament provided Qatar's young players with invaluable experience against diverse playing styles, particularly those of Australia and South Korea, while testing their readiness for future global competitions.
Entering the tournament, Qatar aimed to advance beyond the group stage and reach the knockout rounds, despite facing formidable opponents known for their speed and long-range shooting. The team relied on its fighting spirit and determination to deliver a competitive performance.
Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, emphasized the significance of the tournament: 'Our participation in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah is part of a clear strategic plan by the Qatar Basketball Federation to build a strong generation of players equipped with the physical and technical skills needed to compete at the continental and international levels in the long term.
'For months, we have prepared our team through rigorous training programs and international camps, alongside friendly matches against top-tier teams to test and enhance our players' capabilities and cohesion. Our squad's average age of 25.2 years reflects our investment in the future, balanced by the experience of veteran players who guide and support their younger teammates.
'Facing powerhouses like Australia, Lebanon, and South Korea in our group provided a golden opportunity to gain experience and elevate our performance. These teams represent diverse, fast-paced playing styles, making the matches invaluable for our development.
'Our primary goal was to deliver a respectable performance and progress beyond the group stage. More importantly, we aimed to instill a winning mentality and self-confidence in our players while building a solid foundation for Qatar's basketball future.
'We've received positive feedback from coaches and officials at the tournament, who praised our players' level and fighting spirit. This reinforces our belief that Qatar's basketball future is bright if we continue on this path.'
Looking ahead to
FIBA World Cup 2027
Qatar's participation in the Asia Cup is a stepping stone toward the FIBA World Cup 2027, which Qatar will host for the first time in the Middle East from August 27 to September 12, 2027. The tournament will feature 32 teams, with matches played across four main arenas, culminating in the final at Lusail Arena.
The World Cup qualifiers, involving 80 nations competing for 31 spots, will begin in November 2025. Qatar, as the host nation, is automatically qualified and has been drawn in Group D alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India for the Asia-Oceania qualifiers. The top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, where they will be split into two groups, with the top three teams from each, plus the highest-ranking fourth-placed team, securing World Cup berths.
The qualifiers will be conducted over six windows from November 2025 to March 2027, with matches played in a home-and-away format. The windows are scheduled as follows: November 24 and December 2, 2025; February 23 and March 3, 2026; June 29 and July 7, 2026; August 24 and September 1, 2026; November 23 and December 1, 2026; and February 22 and March 2, 2027.
Qatar's participation in the 2027 World Cup will mark their second appearance in the tournament, following their debut in Japan in 2006.
With a blend of youthful talent, strategic preparation, Qatar's basketball program is poised for a promising future on the global stage.
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