Muscat: The Muscat Nights International 3x3 Basketball Championship officially kicked off on Friday, organised by the Oman Basketball Association as part of the Muscat Nights, highlighting the growing status of 3x3 basketball in Oman. The international competition follows an electrifying conclusion to the local championship, held on Al Araimi Boulevard.
The international tournament features nine teams, including five men’s teams. Two teams represent Oman, alongside squads from Malaysia, India and the Philippines, creating a diverse, competitive field that brings together diverse playing styles and basketball schools.
In the women’s division, four teams are competing: two from Oman, in addition to teams from Iran and India, reflecting the steady growth of women’s basketball.
THRILLING LOCAL FINALE
Before the international tip-off, the local championship concluded after strong participation from eight teams representing various governorates. Al Dhahirah clinched the title, Salalah finished runners-up and Sohar secured third place, following a series of matches that showcased the technical development and rising popularity of the sport across the country.
The knockout stages were packed with excitement. In the first semifinal, Salalah edged Nizwa 14–13 in a tightly contested clash, with Qaisar al Balushi delivering a standout performance to guide his side into the final.
In the second semifinal, Al Dhahirah overcame Sohar 10–8 thanks to a composed display and decisive scoring from Mishaal Kafkaf, setting up a showdown with Salalah.
Sohar bounced back to claim third place after defeating Nizwa 16–9, capitalising on an aggressive start and efficient offensive execution.
DRAMATIC FINAL
The championship match delivered a dramatic spectacle, with both Al Dhahirah and Salalah trading leads in a fast-paced and evenly matched contest. The game extended to the golden point system after a 12–12 tie.
In the decisive moments, Mishaal Kafkaf scored the winning basket to seal a 14–13 victory for Al Dhahirah, sparking celebrations as the team lifted the title in one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament.
Alaa al Hadhrami, OBA board member and head of the 3x3 committee, emphasised that the local championship served as an important preparatory platform for players and centres ahead of upcoming competitions. He noted that continuous tournaments throughout the year help the federation monitor talent, refine skills and raise readiness for regional and international events.
He also praised the support of Muscat Governorate, Muscat Municipality and the organising committee, acknowledging that their cooperation played a key role in the event’s success despite challenges related to the crowded global sports calendar.
Meanwhile, Hiba al Naabi, OBA board member and head of the Women’s Basketball Committee, described the women’s participation as an important step towards empowering female sports in Oman. She explained that preparations began last December through intensive training programmes.
She added that competing against teams from Iran and India offers valuable international experience, while highlighting the noticeable improvement in women’s basketball standards and the expanding player base, with hopes of achieving positive results that reflect this progress.
Through events like these, Muscat Nights continues to establish itself as a comprehensive sporting platform that combines competition with tourism promotion, while offering Omani talents the opportunity to shine on an international stage.
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