30-01-2025
OBA to host Gulf 3x3 tourney, prepare U17s for Asia Qualifiers
Muscat, January 29
The Oman Basketball Association (OBA) has approved hosting the Gulf 3x3 Basketball Championship for men in November. It has also endorsed the preparation programme for the Under-17 national team ahead of the Asia Qualifiers (Gulf Group), scheduled to take place in Bahrain in July.
These decisions were made during the OBA's first board meeting of 2025, held at its headquarters in the Oman Olympic Committee and Sports Associations building, under the chairmanship of Eng Khalfan al Naabi and attended by board members.
During the meeting, the board conducted a comprehensive discussion on the ongoing basketball season. The OBA chairman expressed his satisfaction with the high level of competition in the national league, commending the strong performances of the four teams that qualified for the finals. He highlighted that the finals showcased intense and competitive matches, reflecting the growth of basketball in the Sultanate of Oman.
Al Naabi affirmed that the association is committed to implementing its development programmes within the available resources while focusing on marketing local tournaments and strengthening partnerships with clubs and sponsors to ensure the sport's sustainability. He also emphasised the ongoing preparations for the league's closing ceremony, assuring that the OBA is working to provide optimal technical and organisational conditions for the successful conclusion of the season.
Development Initiatives
As part of its efforts to advance basketball in the Sultanate of Oman, the board reviewed the OBA's financial report and allocated budgets for various activities. The board also approved recommendations from the technical committees, including plans from the Competitions Committee regarding the final preparations for the league's closing ceremony, the launch of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth League Shield, and other tournaments scheduled in the annual calendar, covering multiple age categories.
Additionally, the board ratified the Development Committee's proposal for 2025, which includes specialised training courses and workshops aimed at enhancing the capabilities of technical and administrative staff, in collaboration with the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) and the relevant departments within the Oman Olympic Committee.
Regarding national teams, the board approved the National Teams Committee's recommendations, including hosting the Gulf 3x3 Championship for men and endorsing the preparation programme for the U17 team ahead of the Asia Qualifiers. The board also discussed the possibility of hosting a Gulf championship for women as part of efforts to promote women's participation in basketball and expand regional opportunities for female teams.
The board examined ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth regarding the project for athlete training centres, approving implementation mechanisms based on governmental directives and financial allocations. The board also reviewed its feedback on the governance project for sports associations and regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, the meeting included discussions on progress in formulating a comprehensive strategic plan for OBA, in cooperation with Fiba. This initiative is set to commence with a visit from international basketball experts in February to assess the current status and establish future development plans.
