The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) recently announced the appointment of veteran Turkish coach Hakan Demir as the new head coach of the Qatar national basketball team. Demir brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously coached various clubs and the national team of Iran. His appointment comes at a crucial time as Qatar gears up to host the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The official unveiling of Demir took place at a press conference in Al Gharafa, attended by QBF Secretary General Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari and Chairman of the QBF Media Committee Dr. Khalid Al Qahtani.
As Qatar prepares to make their mark among the global heavyweights at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Demir’s initial task will be to elevate the national team to a highly competitive level. During the press conference, the 56-year-old coach expressed his excitement about taking on the role and his determination to achieve positive results. Having previously coached against some of the Qatari players while leading the Iranian team, Demir noted that he is familiar with the capabilities of the local players.
Demir wasted no time in outlining the upcoming schedule for the national team, which includes participation in the King Abdullah II Cup Championship in Jordan and the Asian qualifiers in India. The team is set to compete against teams from Syria, Palestine, and Jordan in the King Abdullah II Cup Championship before heading to India for the Asian qualifiers. Demir emphasized his gratitude to the Qatar Basketball Federation for entrusting him with the coaching responsibility and expressed his excitement about leading Qatar at the historic World Cup event.
With a focus on preparing Qatar for the challenges ahead, Demir is eager to commence training with the national team and work towards achieving success on the international stage. His experience coaching in various capacities and his familiarity with the players make him a valuable addition to the Qatar national basketball team. As the head coach, Demir is poised to lead Qatar to new heights and make a significant impact on the global basketball scene. The QBF’s decision to appoint him as head coach signals a new era for Qatari basketball, with high hopes for success and achievements in the world of basketball.
