Saturday 29 / November / 2025
MUSCAT: Oman-A came agonisingly close to reaching the semi-finals of the ongoing Gulf 3x3 Basketball Championship at Al Mouj Muscat, only to be denied by point differential despite a thrilling 19–15 victory over Kuwait on Friday.
The nail-biting result capped a day of highs and heartbreak for Oman’s men’s teams as the competition intensified against the region’s top sides.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait advanced to the semi-finals over Oman-A after the point differential came into play, with all three teams finishing level on points. Bahrain and Qatar completed the final four line-up.
Oman-A were dominant in their win over Kuwait. Ahmed Al Sinani opened the scoring, with Osama Al Riyami and Ahmed Al Halhali helping Oman build a 9–3 lead. Kuwait fought back to 9–7, but Oman regained control, pushing ahead 13–8. Al Sinani’s late point extended the lead to 18–13, and the team sealed a well-deserved 19–15 victory.
Meanwhile, Oman-B suffered heartbreak of its own, losing 18–17 to Bahrain after leading early. The Omanis held leads of 4–0, 6–3, and 8–5, but Bahrain fought back, leveling the score multiple times before scoring the decisive point in the final seconds.
In the women’s competition, Oman’s teams showed fighting spirit but also could not progress to the last four rounds.
Oman-A narrowly lost to Kuwait 15–14 in a tense encounter that went down to the final moments. Oman-B struggled against a strong Qatari side, falling 21–7, while earlier matches saw Oman-A beaten 19–10 by Saudi Arabia and Oman-B go down 21–4 to Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar have secured places in the semi-finals of both men’s and women’s competitions.
Oman’s efforts in hosting the Gulf championship also drew praise from regional basketball leaders, highlighting not only the competitiveness of the tournament but also the country’s growing reputation as a capable host for major sporting events.
Abdullatif Nasser Al Fardan, President of the UAE Basketball Federation, said, "Oman’s organisation has been exceptional. The matches were highly competitive, and the close level among Gulf teams reflects the sport’s development in the region. Hosting both the Arab and Gulf championships so successfully shows that Oman is fully capable of delivering a major integrated sporting event."
Dari Burjas, President of the Kuwait Basketball Federation, said, "The technical standard displayed on the opening day was impressive, and the organisation has been outstanding in every aspect. Most teams arrived with strong ambitions to compete for the title, and Oman’s ability to host two major consecutive championships demonstrates the trust placed in the Oman Basketball Association and its capacity to deliver events worthy of the participating teams."
