Bayan Salman and Al Zallaq 3x3 Team Return to Hero’s Welcome
TDT | Manama
Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com
The Bahrain Olympic Committee organized a warm welcome for the Al Zallaq women’s 3x3 basketball team as they returned from Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The team recently claimed the title in the NEOM FIBA 3x3 Women’s Cup, held as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, after beating Jeddah in the final, 21-12.
A Prideful Homecoming
Upon their arrival at Bahrain International Airport, the players were greeted by Ahmed Hafez, Secretary-General of the Bahrain Basketball Association, alongside members of the association’s board. Also present were Wafa Al Jazaf, a member of the Gender Equality Committee of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and Public Relations Specialist Khalid Mohammed Haji. The celebratory reception marked Bahrain’s pride in Al Zallaq’s landmark achievement on the international stage.
A Last-Second Shot That Made History
Speaking exclusively to Hussain Almaskati of TDT, star player Bayan Salman reflected on the closing moments of the game. “As the clock was ticking down with 30 seconds left, all we had to do was stay calm and use the time up. My teammate Hessa Al Jaber told me to take the final shot. Aya Kamali set me up with a no-look pass, and with the confidence of my teammates, I took it—and it went in. That moment means everything to me.” Bayan’s shot sealed the championship win, cementing Al Zallaq’s place in Bahrain’s sporting history.
The Bahrain Olympic Committee organized a warm welcome for the Al Zallaq women’s 3x3 basketball team as they returned from Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The team recently claimed the title in the NEOM FIBA 3x3 Women’s Cup, held as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, after beating Jeddah in the final, 21-12.
A Prideful Homecoming
A Team Effort and an MVP Award
Bayan Salman was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, but she humbly shared the honor with her team. “Winning with my team was the ultimate goal, and to me, the whole team is MVP—Aya, Hessa, Shirin, and our coach Murtadha. He poured his heart into every practice, giving us 200% passion and belief. We took silver at home in Manama, and though it wasn’t the result we wanted, it became our motivation. We watched that game back, analyzed our mistakes, and came to Neom more focused than ever.”
Representing Bahrain
Salman expressed immense pride in representing Bahrain, calling the experience a “blessing.” She hopes their win will inspire young athletes in Bahrain. “3x3 has only four players, but we’re playing for all the players in Bahrain who share our passion. We’ve made history as the first women’s senior team to win this title, but we won’t stop here. I hope this shows young athletes that with hard work, they can achieve their dreams too.”
Inspiring a New Generation
Al Zallaq’s win is more than just a trophy; it’s a new chapter for women’s basketball in Bahrain. With their achievement, the team hopes to inspire a new generation of female athletes who will carry the sport to even greater feats.
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