Top teams sign up for annual youth basketball tournament in Dubai

Dubai: Eight of the best teams from the Middle East, Africa and Asia will be up against UAE side Al Shabab in the American University UAE Youth Basketball Championships to be played at Al Shabab Club from May 17-24.

Organisers have already confirmed that the other seven teams in the fray include Barako Bull Energy Cola (Philippines); Al Sahel (Kuwait); Al Ahli (Libya); Zamalek (Egypt); Amchit (Lebanon), Samara (Russia) and Al Gharafa (Qatar).

The annual tournament is being held to give Al Shabab a regular opportunity of playing against the best sides internationally.

“In a competition like this, winning and losing would not be the most important as we want our boys to play against such tough teams and learn for the future,” Mohammad Mattar Al Marri, deputy chairman of Al Shabab Club told media at the announcement of the competition earlier this week.

“We have a vision at the club to give our youngsters the opportunities and hopefully they will learn and grow in this sport,” he added.

Dr. Muthana Gani Abdul Razak, president of American University in the UAE was pleased to be sponsoring the championship that will bring together some of the best teams in the region.

“It will be an experience for the local players and a good opportunity for basketball fans in the UAE to come and watch some high-level matches,” Dr. Abdul Razak said.

The eight-team competition is being organised by Al Mashreq Al Arabi Promotions with Al Sadaf Group coming in as a co-sponsor. Awad Sami is the championship director.