The UAE basketball team participates in the Gulf Games in Qatar

The UAE Basketball Association confirmed the participation of the first men’s national team in the fourth Gulf Games, hosted by the Qatari capital, Doha, during the period from May 11 to 22, with aspirations of winning the title, in light of our team winning the title of the last edition, which was held in Kuwait.

The UAE national team will begin its tournament campaign by facing its Qatari counterpart on May 15, before meeting the Bahraini national team on May 16, with the preliminary round concluding by facing the Saudi national team on the 17 of the same month.

The semi-finals will be held on May 19, with the first-placed team facing the fourth, and the second-placed team facing the third, while the final match will be held on May 20.

Salem Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the Emirates Basketball Federation, confirmed that participation in the Gulf Games represents a priority on the season’s agenda, as it is the team’s first external competition during the current year, noting that the players have reached good technical readiness through their continued participation with their clubs in local competitions.

He explained that the team is entering the tournament with the aim of maintaining the title, benefiting from its victory in the last edition in Kuwait, in addition to the successes achieved by other teams, including the women’s team that won the gold medal in the triples competition, which enhances ambitions to continue positive results.

He pointed out that the current preparation program depends on the readiness of the players, in light of the high level of the local league, stressing that participation will not only be for the purpose of being present, but also to compete strongly for the title.

He added that the team’s agenda during the current year also includes competing in the Asian Cup qualifiers, while anticipating the results of the Arab Federation’s calendar regarding holding an Arab championship, expressing his hope that the team will succeed in reserving its place in the Asian finals and strengthening its continental presence.