Bahrain eyes FIBA Asia Cup Qualification with home-court advantage

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

This weekend, Bahrain’s senior men’s basketball team will take their final shot at qualifying for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, hosting the pivotal West Asia qualification tournament at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town.

The three-team event will determine two teams that will secure spots in the prestigious continental tournament. Bahrain will compete against Iraq and India, with all matches being played before an enthusiastic home crowd.

National team captain Ahmed Salman is eager to seize the opportunity to play in front of Bahrain’s passionate supporters. “Hosting this qualifying tournament is huge for us,” said Salman. “It’s vital for both the players and the team as a whole. The fans are everything—they’re incredibly passionate, love the game, and support us endlessly. Their support is priceless.”

India completed the tournament lineup upon their arrival in Bahrain yesterday. The Indian team was warmly welcomed at Bahrain International Airport by Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) director Abed Al Ansari, who wished them the best of luck in the qualifiers. The teams are now preparing for the critical matches ahead that will determine who progresses.

The tournament kicks off today with Iraq and India facing each other. Both teams arrived on Wednesday and were greeted by BBA secretary general Ahmed Hafez and BBA director Abed Al Ansari.

Bahrain’s campaign begins tomorrow with a match against India, followed by a crucial encounter with Iraq on Sunday. Both games are set to tip off at 10 pm.

Additionally, BBA president Alaa Mudara paid a visit to the national team’s training session, reinforcing his ongoing support. He met with players and coaching staff, urging them to give their best efforts in the upcoming qualifiers. “The next phase is critical,” Mudara said. “Our fans are eager to see the team perform at their best, and I have full confidence in the players’ ability to achieve the desired results.”

The top two teams from the round-robin competition will secure their spots in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this August.

For Ahmed Salman, competing in the Asia Cup would be a dream come true. “Every player wants to be part of the Asia Cup,” said Salman, who hopes to make his debut in the tournament. “It’s a massive stage, and whether it’s my debut or not, it will mean a lot. Every basketball player dreams of playing at this level, and I want to make an impact with my team.”

Salman, the son of former national team head coach Salman Ramadhan, acknowledges the significance of this opportunity. “My dad was the head coach for years and holds the record for the most medals with the national team,” he reflected. “To represent the national team is a tremendous honor. To be selected as one of the 12 best players in the country is everything to me.”

The Bahrain squad, coached by Jad El Hajj, consists of 14 players: Mustafa Hussain, Ali Aqeel, Ali Hussain, Mohammed Ameer, Ali Shukrallah, Subah Hussain, Ahmed Bin Dainah, Ali Jaber, Wayne Chism, Maitham Jameel, Hesham Sarhan, Ahmed Alderazi, and Mohammed Juma’a. These players are preparing for the final push to secure a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup, joining other teams such as China, Iran, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Qatar, Syria, and host Saudi Arabia, who have already earned their place.

The FIBA Asia Cup is the continent’s premier basketball tournament, featuring senior men’s national teams from both FIBA Asia and FIBA Oceania. Bahrain is aiming to qualify for the championship for the 10th time.