Latest news with #KhaledAl-Qallaf
Arab Times
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Future bright despite setbacks for the Kuwait basketball team in Bahrain
MANAMA, Aug 2: Kuwait's basketball team faced its fifth defeat in the 26th Arab Basketball Championship, falling 69-72 to Qatar during the sixth and penultimate round of the tournament, which concluded late last night in Bahrain. The sixth round also featured Algeria's narrow 70-69 victory over Bahrain and the UAE's 86-82 win against Egypt. Kuwait's team has struggled throughout the tournament, losing all previous matches against the UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and, most recently, Qatar. The team currently sits at the bottom of the standings with 5 points ahead of its final game against Bahrain. Led by Serbian coach Oliver Kostić and assistant Khaled Al-Qallaf, the squad is largely composed of young players competing in this level of competition for the first time, providing them with valuable experience and exposure. Coach Kostić and Al-Qallaf selected a roster of 12 promising young talents, supplemented by experienced players Ahmed Al-Balushi, Abdulaziz Al-Humaidi, and Abdulrahman Al-Sahu. This blend aims to build their skills and prepare the team for future tournaments. However, several key players, including Hamad Adnan, Turki Hammoud, Alexander Al-Ghaith, and Imran Jawhar, were absent from the squad during this championship.
Arab Times
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait seeks a win against Algeria after a tough start
MANAMA, July 29: Kuwait is determined to improve its performance and erase the setbacks from the first three rounds of the 26th Arab Basketball Championship currently underway in Bahrain. The team will face Algeria today at 6:00 pm in the fifth round of the competition, which concludes in Manama on August 2. Earlier matches today feature Qatar vs. UAE at 4:00 pm and Tunisia vs. Egypt at 8:00 pm. Kuwait has been eliminated from contention for the top three spots after suffering defeats against the UAE (79-87), Tunisia (61-86), and Egypt (65-96) in the opening rounds. Under the leadership of Serbian coach Oliver Kostic and assistant Khaled Al-Qallaf, Kuwait's squad largely comprises young players competing in such tournaments for the first time, providing them valuable experience on the international stage. The team will be without promising young player Hussein Ashkanani in today's match, as he recovers from a serious shoulder dislocation sustained in the recent game against Egypt. Ashkanani underwent successful surgery and is currently hospitalized. The current standings see Tunisia and the UAE leading with 5 points each, followed by Egypt and Algeria with 4 points each. Bahrain also has 4 points but from fewer wins. Kuwait holds 3 points from three losses, while Qatar sits last with 2 points.
Arab Times
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait arrives in Bahrain for the 26th Arab Basketball Championship opener
MANAMA, July 23: The Kuwait national basketball team arrived in Bahrain to begin final preparations for the 26th Arab Basketball Championship, which tips off tomorrow in Manama. Kuwait is set to face the United Arab Emirates in its opening match of the tournament, which runs until August 2. The team recently wrapped up its overseas training camp in Istanbul, where it played several friendly matches aimed at building cohesion and evaluating player readiness in pursuit of a strong showing in the regional event. This year's tournament features seven teams: UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Hosted at Khalifa Sports City Hall, the championship follows a single-round league format, with the title awarded to the team that accumulates the highest number of points. Head coach Oliver Kostic of Serbia and assistant coach Khaled Al-Qallaf ensured all players received match time during friendlies against Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan, allowing the coaching staff to gauge the overall readiness of the squad ahead of competitive play. Kuwait will be without several standout players for the tournament, including Hamad Adnan, Turki Hamoud, Alexander Al-Ghais, and Imran Jawhar. The final 12-man roster features a mix of promising young talent and seasoned veterans, including Ahmed Al-Balushi, Abdulaziz Al-Hamidi, and Abdulrahman Al-Sahou.
