12 May 2024

Beirut, May 11 (QNA) – The FIBA Regional Office Asia announced that Qatar will hist the FIBA West Asia Super League Final 8 for the season 2023-2024. The pinnacle event of the second season of FIBA West Asia Super League is scheduled from May 25 to June 1, 2024.

This will be the first time that Doha, Qatar, will serve as the host of the much-anticipated event, with the inaugural edition having been hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“Hosting the FIBA West Asia Super League – Final 8 in Doha this year marks a significant milestone for Qatar’s basketball journey. It’s not just about showcasing our regional prowess but also about laying the groundwork for the grand stage ahead,” said President of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) Mohammed Saad Almeghaiseeb.

“This event serves as a testament to our commitment and readiness as we strive towards hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.”
“Witnessing Qatar host the WASL Final 8 fills me with immense pride and excitement,” said FIBA Regional Office – Asia Executive Director Hagop Khajirian. “This event not only highlights the exceptional growth and development of basketball in the region but also underscores Doha’s commitment to excellence as a host city.”
“Qatar’s dedication to fostering the growth of basketball is evident. It sets a precedent as we collectively strive to elevate the sport to new heights across Asia, especially in club competitions, which is one of FIBAs strategic priorities for cycle 2023-2027.”
“With the Final 8 set to tip off in Doha, we proudly continue to build a tradition of being a hotbed for basketball in the region from hosting recent U16 Asia Cups to the Asia Cup in the early 2000s,” said QBF Secretary General Saadoun Al Kuwari.

“This year’s Final 8 heralds another chapter in Doha’s storied journey, as we continue to set the stage for unforgettable moments in basketball history.”
In recent years, Qatar has also hosted consecutive FIBA U16 Asia Cups in 2022 and 2023. The Gulf nation also hosted the FIBA Asia Cup, the region’s flagship competition, in 2005.

Six teams from the FIBA WASL Sub-Zone Leagues make up the Final 8. Champions Kuwait Club spearhead the Gulf delegation that also has Manama as well as third-placed club, Kazma. The West Asia ensemble, meanwhile, features Al Riyadi, Shahrdary Gorgan, and Sagesse Sports Club.

All six will be joined by BC Astana (Central Asia) and Tamil Nadu (South Asia).

The Final 8 teams will be divided into two groups, each comprising four teams. Following the group stage, the two highest-ranking teams from each group will progress to the Semi-Finals, while the third and fourth-placed teams will be eliminated from further contention. Subsequently, the winners of the Semi-Finals will advance to compete in the Final.

The two finalist clubs will earn a spot in the inaugural Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) which will be played from June 9-15, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (QNA)

Keywords

Sports, Qatar