Bahrain gears up for FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers
Bahrain's national basketball team has officially begun preparations for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, set to take place later this year in Saudi Arabia. With their sights set on securing a spot in the next stage, the squad is ramping up its training schedule under the guidance of Lebanese head coach Jad El Hajj.
The team assembled for its first practice session on Tuesday at the Bahrain Basketball As- sociation Hall in Umm Al Has- sam, marking the beginning of an intensive preparation phase. Training sessions will continue twice daily, leading up to an inhouse training camp at Hilton Hotel, set to begin this Friday. Several board members from the Bahrain Basketball Association attended the first session, highlighting their support for the team's campaign.
As part of their build-up, Bahrain will host two friendly games against Jordan at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town on February 15 and 17. These encounters will provide a crucial test for the squad ahead of their upcoming qualifiers.
Crunch Time The national team faces a challenging schedule, starting with a home clash against Lebanon on February 21 in Bahrain, followed by an away fixture in Doha against Syria on February 24, as part of the fourth qualification window. Bahrain currently sits second in Group C with six points, trailing Lebanon (8 points), while Syria and the UAE share third place with five points each.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
BRAVE CF 96 delivers fireworks
BRAVE Combat Federation returned to Slovenia with a historic night of fights at BRAVE CF 96, and it was nothing short of spectacular. From local heroes to rising international stars, the event at Hala Tivoli was packed with emotion, knockouts, and championship drama. In the main event, Mohammad Fakhreddine cemented his legendary status in BRAVE CF history by reclaiming the Middleweight World Championship. The Lebanese superstar and BRAVE CF's only ever two-division champion finished reigning Light Heavyweight king Erko Jun via TKO at 4:41 of Round 1, proving once again that he is one of the greatest to ever step foot in the BRAVE CF cage. The co-main event saw Serbia's Borislav Nikolic shock the world by submitting champion Nicholas Hwende with a slick ninja choke in Round 4 (1:40), becoming the new BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion and closing a wild chapter of verbal warfare with a statement win. The heavyweight showdown between undefeated titans Miha Frlic and Shah Kamali had the arena erupting, delivering one of the most thrilling battles in BRAVE CF heavyweight history. Despite enduring multiple knockdowns, Kamali showed incredible heart and resilience, pushing the fight into the third round. But it was Frlic who sealed the moment, unleashing a final barrage to earn a TKO victory just 29 seconds into Round 3, staying unbeaten and making a bold statement in the division. Earlier on the card, Monika Kucinic delivered validation in her rematch against Sofiia Bagishvili, ending the bout with a stunning TKO at 4:55 of Round 2. The local favorite thrilled the Ljubljana crowd with a career-defining performance. In the Flyweight division, all eyes were on the unofficial tournament to determine who could challenge Muhammad Mokaev. Marciano Ferreira took a massive leap forward, defeating Bidzina Gavashelishvili via unanimous decision in a highstakes technical battle. Slovenian fan-favorite Domen Drnovsek returned to winning ways with a dominant performance over Filip Guša, while Kiril Negru opened the card with a brutal takedown-heavy fight, earning a clear unanimous decision against Róbert Guth. With title changes, local heroes rising and falling, and a main event that added another golden chapter to Fakhreddine's legacy, BRAVE CF 96 will go down as one of the biggest nights in European MMA history.
Gulf Insider
25-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Basketball Team Returns To William Jones Cup After 47 Years
Bahrain's national men's basketball team is set to participate in the 44th edition of the William Jones Cup, scheduled to take place in Taiwan from July 12 to 20. The tournament is organised by the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA). First launched in 1977, the William Jones Cup is one of the most prestigious unofficial international basketball competitions. It is named after Renato William Jones, a key founding figure of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), who played a significant role in the global development and promotion of the sport. The tournament brings together national teams, university squads, and club sides from around the world, offering a platform for high level competition and exposure to diverse playing styles. It serves as a valuable preparatory opportunity for teams ahead of continental and international competitions. Bahrain's participation in this year's tournament aligns with the Bahrain Basketball Association's strategy to elevate the performance of the national team. The initiative seeks to enhance player readiness by engaging with elite level opponents and gaining exposure to varied tactical approaches. The tournament also holds historical significance for Bahrain's basketball community. In 1977, Renato William Jones visited the Kingdom of Bahrain at the invitation of Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who was then President of the Bahrain Basketball Association. His visit was to attend the opening of a mini basketball festival, marking an early milestone in Bahrain's commitment to developing the sport. This marks Bahrain's second appearance in the William Jones Cup, following its debut in the 1978 edition, during which the team received the Fair Play Award. Source Bahrain News Agency
Daily Tribune
13-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Khalifa bin Salman Cup Final Tickets Sold Out as Fan Zone Set for Overflow Crowd
TDT | Manama Tickets for the Khalifa bin Salman Basketball Cup Final have officially sold out, the Bahrain Basketball Association has confirmed, ahead of Wednesday night's highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Manama and Muharraq. The final, widely regarded as the most high-profile fixture in the Bahraini basketball calendar, will be played in front of a packed arena, with demand for tickets far exceeding supply. To accommodate fans unable to secure seats, organisers have announced the creation of a dedicated Fan Zone outside the venue. The area will include live entertainment, interactive activities, and a large screen broadcasting the match, allowing supporters to follow the action in real time while enjoying the build-up in a lively, communal setting. The decision ensures the final's buzz extends beyond the court, maintaining the sense of occasion for what promises to be one of the most electric atmospheres in recent memory.
