Doha – December 21, 2025:
In a festive atmosphere reflecting the growing status of basketball, the Qatar Basketball Federation celebrated World Basketball Day, which falls on December 21 each year. This celebration aligns with the Federation’s ongoing efforts to support and develop the sport, promote its spread at both local and regional levels, and reinforce its sporting and societal role.
On this occasion, the Federation organized a distinctive celebratory program featuring a variety of activities that combined sports competitions and developmental initiatives. This clearly underscores basketball’s vital role in supporting community sports, honing talents, producing champions, and promoting positive values associated with physical activity. The event was attended by Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation; Mr. Abdullah Sultan Al-Jaber and Mr. Meshal Abdullah Yusuf Al-Maliki, members of the Board of Directors; Ms. Zahra Majed Burhan Al-Zaidan, the female member of the Board; as well as Lebanese coach Rana Bzazou, head coach of the women’s national basketball teams; alongside the basketball community and parents of the players.
The activities included holding 3×3 competitions for Qatar’s women’s national basketball teams, a step that reflects the Federation’s commitment to supporting women’s basketball, expanding participation, and providing a motivating competitive environment that contributes to improving technical performance and raising readiness levels. This aligns with the Federation’s strategies to empower women in sports and enhance their presence in various competitions.
For his part, Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, emphasized that celebrating World Basketball Day embodies the increasing international recognition of this sport as an effective tool for community development and a platform for spreading values of peace, human rights, teamwork, and understanding among peoples.
He stated: “The adoption of World Basketball Day by the United Nations represents an important milestone in the journey of this sport, affirming its pivotal role in empowering youth, promoting a culture of healthy living, and establishing principles of respect and equality. In the State of Qatar, we believe that basketball transcends the boundaries of sports competition to become a humanitarian and educational platform that contributes to building individuals before achieving accomplishments.”
He added that the Qatar Basketball Federation pays special attention to expanding the base of practitioners, supporting various age groups, enhancing women’s participation, and strengthening community and educational partnerships. This is in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, reflecting the country’s commitment to using sports as a means of sustainable development and cultural rapprochement, consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He concluded by saying: “We seize this occasion to renew our commitment to developing basketball in Qatar according to the highest international standards and to actively contribute to global efforts that employ sports in the service of humanity and society. We call on all members of society to participate in celebrating this global occasion.”
It is worth noting that World Basketball Day serves as an international occasion to highlight the humanitarian and social role of this sport, its ability to transcend borders and cultures, promote a healthy lifestyle, and reinforce values of cooperation and respect. The Qatar Basketball Federation is keen to embody this practically through its various programs and initiatives.