The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) has officially announced the completion of all organizational and technical arrangements for the launch of the 2025 International Friendly Basketball Tournament, set to begin tomorrow at Lusail Sports Hall and run through August 1.

The tournament will feature four national teams from Asia: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Iraq. This event marks a crucial stage in the Qatari national team’s final preparations ahead of its participation in the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17, with 16 teams competing.

QBF confirmed that all participating delegations have arrived in Doha to a warm welcome and seamless organization, reflecting Qatar’s continued commitment to hosting regional and international sporting events at the highest standards.

The tournament will open on Monday with a match between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, Qatar will face Japan in a highly anticipated encounter, followed by a match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The final day of competition, August 1, will feature Saudi Arabia versus Japan, concluding with Qatar taking on Iraq.

QBF President Mohammed Saad Al Meghaiseeb emphasized that the tournament is part of the federation’s strategy to provide the national team with high-level competitive opportunities ahead of the continental championship. He noted that the event also serves to strengthen sporting ties with fellow federations, in line with QBF’s vision to advance the sport both technically and organizationally.

Secretary General of QBF and Director of National Teams, Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, affirmed the federation’s full readiness to host the tournament, highlighting that all logistical, technical, and organizational elements have been finalized in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure an exemplary sporting atmosphere that reflects Qatar’s reputation as a global sports hub.

Led by Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, the Qatari national team roster includes Omar Mohammed Saad, Abdulrahman Saad, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, Zain Eldin Al Badri, Hajji Bobo Magassa, Babacar Dieng, Mohammed Al Sayed, Saidu Al Hajj Ndaye, Hamad Yassin, Mustafa Ndao, Ghassan Hajjar, Mahmoud Darwish, Tyler James Lee, Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, and Mohammed Brashar.

In the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 draw, Qatar has been placed in Group A alongside Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. The team will begin its campaign against Lebanon on August 6, followed by matches against South Korea on August 8 and Australia on August 10.

The tournament format includes a group stage, with the top team from each group advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Teams finishing second and third will compete in crossover play-off matches to secure a spot in the next round.