Oman’s women’s sports club wins bronze in Abu Dhabi

AHMED AL KAABI

MUSCAT, SEPT 30

The Women’s Club for Sports and Cultural Creativity (WCFSCC), representing the Sultanate of Oman, clinched third place in the second edition of the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Women’s Basketball Cup, hosted in Abu Dhabi from September 23–27, with the participation of four Gulf clubs.

The Omani side sealed the bronze medal after a deserved 56–46 victory over the host Emirati Academy team in the third-place playoff, a thrilling encounter that remained closely contested until the final minutes.

The tournament followed a single round-robin format, with the top two advancing to the final, while the third and fourth-placed sides competed for the bronze. Over the course of four matches, the Omani club secured two key wins that ensured their place on the podium.

From the start, the bronze match was intense, with both teams exchanging control and attacking plays. Mahla Mohammed Abadi opened the scoring for Oman with two successful free throws before Suha Taher equalised for the hosts. Star player Shams al Duha’s dominance under the basket gave the Omani side momentum, though the Emirati Academy edged the first quarter 7–6.

In the second quarter, Oman regained focus, with Mahla Abadi restoring the lead. Although Thia Awad tied things up with free throws, the Omani club began imposing its rhythm. Hayat al Maskari briefly put the Academy ahead, but Malak al Sulaimi responded with a three-pointer that energised her teammates. The momentum stayed with Oman, who ended the quarter 22–13 in front.

The third quarter saw the Academy attempt a comeback through Maryam al Mazroui and Suha Taher, but Mahla and Shams al Duha responded strongly with successive points. Showing great composure, the Omani players extended their lead to 39–25 by the end of the quarter.

The final quarter began with a brilliant three-pointer from Shams al Duha, widening the gap further. Mahla Abadi continued her outstanding form, scoring repeatedly to secure the win. Despite late efforts from Amal Haider and Thia Awad for the Academy, Oman’s defence held firm to seal the 56–46 triumph.

Over the course of four matches, the Omani club secured two key wins.

Commenting on the achievement, Hiba al Naabi, Board Member of the OBA and Head of the Women’s Basketball Committee, emphasised that this success was the result of joint cooperation between the Women’s Committee and the club, following a comprehensive preparation programme that included domestic and external training camps in Muscat and Khor Fakkan.

She added that the tournament was a key opportunity to refine and showcase emerging talent, noting that two players from the national youth team participated and delivered impressive performances, reflecting a promising future for women’s basketball in the Sultanate of Oman. She also extended her gratitude to the technical and administrative staff for their efforts in representing Oman honourably and wished the team continued success in upcoming competitions.

Player Malak al Sulaimi highlighted that the team’s main strength lay in collective play, which created more space on the court and better shooting opportunities. Effective communication in both offence and defence, she added, reflected the team’s growth as an integrated unit capable of handling tough competition.

Al Sulaimi noted that participating in the tournament was an important opportunity to gain experience alongside more seasoned players, boosting her confidence, diversifying her playing style, and learning from mistakes. This, she said, will help improve her performance and further highlight the positive image of Omani women’s basketball.