The first Jr. NBA League in Qatar has kicked off at Qatar Foundation’s Education City, bringing together nearly 450 girls and boys from across the country to represent all 30 NBA teams. The league, which began last month, will take place over several weekends, with the finals scheduled for June 7-8. Designed to promote core basketball values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance, the program aims to instill a love for the game from a young age and encourage grassroots participation in the sport.
The league is being hosted by Qatar Foundation (QF) in collaboration with the NBA, and is supported by the Qatar Basketball Federation. The NBA’s Her Time to Play program, which focuses on providing opportunities for girls and women to play basketball and pursue careers in coaching and athletic leadership, is running alongside the Jr. NBA League. A series of panel discussions and teaching clinics are being hosted as part of the initiative to promote female participation in the sport.
Sylvia Fowles, a two-time WNBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist, attended the launch of the Her Time to Play program and the Jr. NBA Draft. She praised the talent displayed by Qatar’s youth athletes and offered words of advice to the young participants in the league. Fowles encouraged them to enjoy the moment, be present, and have fun while playing. The overall goal of the league is not just about winning and losing, but about the lessons learned, friendships made, and the character built along the way.
QF Media Director Aljazi T Al Henzab emphasized that the Jr. NBA League is more than just a basketball competition – it is a platform for young athletes to grow, learn, and develop important life skills. The focus is on instilling values such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship that extend beyond the court. Al Henzab encouraged the young athletes to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and always play with integrity. Success in the league is measured not only by wins and losses, but by the character and skills developed throughout the experience.
One of the young athletes participating in the Jr. NBA League is 12-year-old Palestinian Salim Abdalla, who plays for Evolution Sports Qatar representing the Sacramento Kings. Abdalla has been playing basketball for 4-5 years and enjoys the games and tight moments when teammates are needed the most. His dream is to one day play in the NBA, and he is excited to be part of this league. Another young player, 12-year-old Mira Hajor from Lebanon, plays for Qatar Academy for Science and Technology and represents the New York Knicks. Hajor has been playing since she was five years old and is looking forward to having fun and enjoying herself during the league, as well as participating in the finals.
The Jr. NBA League in Qatar aims to provide a platform for young athletes to develop their skills, learn important values, and grow both on and off the court. With the support of Qatar Foundation, the NBA, and the Qatar Basketball Federation, the league is promoting inclusivity and encouraging both boys and girls to participate in the sport. Through programs like Her Time to Play, female participation in basketball is being highlighted and promoted, giving girls and women opportunities to play, coach, and lead in the sport. The young athletes participating in the league are not only learning valuable basketball skills, but also important life lessons that will benefit them in the future.
