Basketball team begin camp ahead of Asia Qualifiers

MUSCAT, JUNE 27

The Oman national U-16 basketball team has officially kicked off its training programme at an external camp in Bahrain, held at Al Manama Club, as part of its final preparations for the upcoming Gulf regional qualifiers for the FIBA Asia Cup.

The qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Bahrain from July 7 to 12, will see only two teams from the Gulf advance to the continental finals.

The training sessions are being led by Tunisian head coach Zouhair al Ayachi, with support from Omani assistant coach Ali al Balushi. All 15 players on the squad reported for duty with full commitment.

Oman squad includes: Saddam al Sheezawi, Khuzaima al Shibli, Rashid al Eisai, Mohammed al Sheezawi, Abdulrahim al Roushdi, Elias al Obaidani, Al Mulhim al Obaidani, Abdusamad al Subaihi, Muhannad al Battashi, Nawar al Bahlouli, Adam al Hinai, Jaid al Kindi, Saif al Yahyai, Sami al Busaidy, and Sultan al Sinani. Accompanying the team are Ghasan al Busaidy, Director of National Teams and physiotherapist Amer al Zaidi, who is overseeing the players’ physical condition and readiness.

The first training session focused on technical drills and player cohesion, alongside fitness exercises aimed at boosting the team's physical readiness before the official matches begin. The coaching staff is working to enhance the team’s tactical performance, assigning players to specific offensive and defensive roles and implementing strategies tailored to the group stage opponents.

This training camp marks the final phase of a long term preparation programme that began before the holy month of Ramadhan. It included intensive weekly gatherings, adapted to the players’ school commitments and culminated in a domestic training camp held in Al Buraimi from June 13 to 24. That camp featured practical implementation of tactical plays, with players split into two groups to practice offensive and defensive schemes.

The technical staff has placed strong emphasis on improving both the physical and technical aspects of the team, aiming to elevate the overall performance. During earlier stages of the preparation, the team played several friendly matches against local clubs and basketball academies in the UAE, allowing the coaching staff to assess strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments.

Oman will compete in Group B of the qualifiers, alongside host Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Group A includes Qatar, UAE and Kuwait. According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the winners of those matches earning direct qualification to the FIBA Asia Cup finals.

The U-16 national team hopes to deliver a strong performance that reflects the progress of Omani basketball at the youth level, with aspirations to achieve a new milestone in the Gulf region and strengthen the country's record of international participation.