25 August 2024
Kuwait's Al-Qurain and Qatar's Al-Gharafa Advance to Final of Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies in Highly Anticipated Matchup
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:
The first edition of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies, held Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation "Mother of the Nation" and under the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi ladies Club and Al Ain Ladies Club. will conclude today with the final match. This final will see Kuwait's Al-Qurain Club face off against Qatar's Al-Gharafa Club.
Al-Qurain Club secured their spot in the final after a decisive win over the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy basketball team with a score of 66-17. Meanwhile, Al-Gharafa's fans were elated with their team’s deserving victory over Salalah of Oman, with a score of 53-31. Al-Gharafa showcased an impressive performance and high skills, demonstrating their readiness for the upcoming final. With this qualification, all eyes are now on the highly anticipated final match between Al-Qurain and Al-Gharafa, which will take place this evening at the new academy's basketball hall. This final is one of the major sporting events on the Gulf women's sports calendar, which will contribute to raising the level of competition in basketball and increase interest in women's sports by highlighting achievements and encouraging more girls to engage in and pursue sports professionally. The tournament has received widespread acclaim across the Gulf.
Regarding their win, Al-Qurain Club’s coach, Yahya Al-Shammari, stated: "We extend our gratitude to our brothers in the UAE for their warm hospitality and everything they have provided us during our stay in Abu Dhabi. We are thrilled with the opportunity for our team to participate in the first Gulf women's championship under FBMA. Our primary goal from the start was participation and gaining experience, but now our ambitions have risen, and the goal is to win the title and bring the trophy back to Kuwait."
He continued: "Holding a tournament specifically for local female players enhances the level of Gulf female athletes and gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills more prominently, increasing their sense of responsibility to deliver their best. This has been evident in the Academy Cup matches, leading to positive results for the team and their deserving advancement to the final."
Additionally, Al-Gharafa Club’s Admin, Alaa Suleiman, commented on their team’s qualification: "Our team has young players aged between 16 and 17, which helps in increasing their experience and honing their skills through interaction with players from different Gulf countries. The competition was strong among all teams, and this is the first international participation for our players, but it will not be the last." She added: "We are very happy with this qualification, as we have secured at least a medal, whether we finish in first or second place. However, we are determined to win the cup. Al-Qurain Club may be technically stronger, with players who have high experience and some who play for the Kuwait national basketball team, but our players at Al-Gharafa possess the spirit and passion that can sometimes surpass technical abilities. This is what we are betting on, and I am confident in our players. We will focus heavily on the psychological and mental aspects in preparation for the final match."