MUSCAT: The Oman Basketball Association (OBA) has unveiled details of hosting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab 3x3 Basketball Championships for U18 Boys and Girls, from March 1 to 4, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Al Mouj Muscat and Oman Sail.
13 teams will take part in Gulf tournament, and 11 teams in Arab tournament, representing Oman, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria and Iraq. Some teams will participate with two teams A, B.
8 teams will represent youth category, with 5 teams representing girls in Gulf tournament.
The press conference was attended by Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi, Chairman of the OBA and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the tournament, Dr Ali bin Salem al Yaarubi, Vice-President, and Mohammed bin Nasser al Hosni, Secretary-General of the Association and Director of the tournament.
Through it, the logos of the Gulf and Arab championships were unveiled, clearly reflecting the Oman identity and the characteristics of 3x3 basketball game.
Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi explained that, "The 3x3 basketball game is a type of basketball where two teams compete on one basket, and each team consists of 3 players. This game is one of the most popular team sports in the world."
"The International Basketball Federation has worked hard to spread this game, which has contributed to increasing the basketball culture of individuals worldwide. The game started in the late 1980s in the United States and is considered the first most popular game there," he added.
OBA organised several championships in this game to spread it and introduce it to Oman society, to be part of the association's calendar.
Dr Ali bin Salem al Yaarubi said, "The preparations started early. The main match court and all its facilities have been set up, as well as training court, working committees hall and changing rooms."
"The international referees from Oman, GCC and Arab countries have also been selected," he ended.
A training course for coaches will be held, with the participation of about 20 coaches. The technical meeting is scheduled to be held on February 29.
Mohammed al Hasani explained that the committee has completed all the administrative procedures for the participation of the Gulf and Arab teams, pointing to the arrival of the Gulf delegations starting on February 28.
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