Muscat: The Gulf 3x3 Basketball Championship for men and women kicked off on Thursday night at Al Mouj Muscat amidst an energetic atmosphere, organised by the Oman Basketball Association in cooperation with the Gulf Basketball Federation.
The opening day drew a strong public turnout from visitors and residents of Al Mouj and featured intense matchups in which Oman’s national teams in both the men’s and women’s categories suffered narrow defeats despite competitive performances.
Oman’s Men’s Team A delivered a strong performance but lost 13–11 to Saudi Arabia after extra-time.
The game opened with a Saudi basket by Riyadh Barnawi, followed by an equaliser from Ahmed al Sanani for Oman. Ahmed al Hulhuli added another point to give Oman the lead. Saudi Arabia then tied the score 2–2 before Al Hulhuli restored Oman’s advantage to 4–2.
However, missed opportunities allowed Saudi Arabia to close the gap, equalise and move ahead at 6–4.
Oman responded with points from Al Sanani, Abdulrahman al Maamari, Osama al Rayami and Al Hulhuli to take a 9–6 lead.
Saudi Arabia came back again to tie and then go ahead 11–10. Al Hulhuli levelled the score 11–11, sending the match into overtime, where a Saudi two-pointer settled the game at 13–11.
OMAN MEN'S TEAM B FALL TO QATAR
Oman’s Men’s Team B lost 16-12 to Qatar despite a promising start, with Rashid al Zuheibi scoring the opening point.
The teams exchanged baskets to reach 6–6 before Qatar took advantage of Oman’s errors and reduced focus to build a 9–6 lead, gradually widening the gap until sealing the win at 16–12.
In the women’s category, Oman’s Women’s Team A lost 19-10 to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia controlled the early stages with quick movement and accurate shooting led by Kawthar al Khayyat, Rana Khalid and Jana Saleem, applying pressure on Oman’s defence from the start.
Shams bint Alduha al Khinjiyah scored Oman’s first point, helping the team regain rhythm and narrow the score to 5–3 after a series of successful plays.
Despite this improvement, Saudi Arabia continued their organised offensive pressure, adding more points, while Oman attempted to respond through fast breaks. Saudi technical and physical superiority ultimately secured the 19–10 result.
AL HASSANI PRAISES ORGANISATION
Mohammed bin Nasser al Hassani, Vice-President of the Gulf Basketball Federation and Chairman of the Technical Committee, praised the high level of organisation from the first day, affirming that Oman has demonstrated its readiness and capability to host major sporting events.
Al Hassani stated that he is proud of this distinguished hosting and that the preparations carried out by the OBA were professional and comprehensive, providing an ideal environment for the participating teams in terms of court quality and accompanying services and facilities.
He added that choosing Al Mouj Muscat as an open venue was a successful decision that enhanced public attendance and brought the sport closer to the community, highlighting the interactive spirit that defines 3x3 basketball.
He concluded by expressing the Gulf Federation’s hope that this edition becomes a model for future tournaments, with Oman continuing its positive role in supporting and developing Gulf basketball.
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