Al Riyadi players emerged victorious in the FIBA West Asia Super League Final 8, defeating Sagesse in an intense final held at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall in Doha, Qatar. The match ended in a tie at 79-79, leading to overtime where Al Riyadi sealed the victory with a final score of 100-90. The Australian player Thon Maker stood out with an impressive performance, scoring 35 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. The team’s overall effort led them to lift the prestigious trophy in front of the QBF President and the FIBA Executive Director for Asia.
The successful hosting of the Final 8 in Doha showcased Qatar’s ability to organize major sporting events. The event, which gathered top teams from the FIBA WASL Sub-Zone Leagues, set the stage for future basketball tournaments in the region. QBF officials expressed gratitude to FIBA for selecting Doha as the host city for this event and emphasized the importance of promoting basketball in the Gulf and Arab countries. This initiative also ties in with Qatar’s broader strategy of preparing for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.
The QBF President and Secretary General highlighted that hosting the FIBA West Asia Super League Final 8 aligns with Qatar’s long-term objectives of becoming a hub for major sporting events. This event not only enhances the country’s readiness for future tournaments but also positions Qatar as a potential host for the Asian Games in 2030 and the Olympics in 2036. By hosting such significant events, Qatar aims to demonstrate its commitment to excellence in sports and its ability to handle large-scale international competitions.
The Final 8 tournament served as a significant milestone in Qatar’s sporting journey and paved the way for participation in the Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai. Al Riyadi, the champions of the event, will continue their journey to Dubai alongside Shahrdary Gorgan of Iran. The success of the Final 8 in Doha not only celebrates the victory of Al Riyadi but also emphasizes Qatar’s growing role in the global sports landscape. With a focus on hosting major international events, Qatar continues to establish itself as a destination for top-class athletic competitions.
