Bahrain eyes FIBA Asia Cup berth, climbs ranks

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s national basketball team continues to push forward despite falling just short of securing a direct berth in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. In the latest FIBA rankings, Bahrain climbed to 66th place globally and 11th in Asia—their highest-ever standing. This progress speaks to the team’s steady rise on the international stage and their drive to compete among Asia’s best.

Bahrain’s rise in the rankings and continued fight for a place in the FIBA Asia Cup are testaments to the support from His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, whose leadership has pushed the national program forward.

Key players like power forward Devon Chism and point guard Ahmed Haji have been instrumental in Bahrain’s campaign, with Chism averaging 12 points and 14 rebounds per game. Haji told TDT during the qualifiers, “Every game we play, we’re proving we belong here.”

Proving Their Mettle

Bahrain’s journey to the FIBA Asia Cup took an unexpected turn following a heartbreaking 87-89 loss to Syria in Doha. The defeat marked the conclusion of the continental qualifying competition, where Bahrain managed just two wins in six games. Head coach Jad El Hajj reflected on the narrow loss, calling it a “50-50 game” that could have gone either way. Despite the setback, Bahrain still has one final opportunity to book their place in the tournament.

One Last Chance

With the main qualifiers complete, Bahrain will now compete in a secondary qualification event alongside Iraq and India this month. The three teams will battle in a round-robin West Asian competition, with the top two securing a ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup, set to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5-17.

A total of 16 teams will compete in the final tournament, with 12 nations—including host Saudi Arabia, Australia, China, and Lebanon—already securing their places. Bahrain now faces a crucial test in March as they seek to claim one of the remaining four spots in the continental showcase.

A Nation’s Basketball Dream

Bahrain’s basketball ambitions extend beyond rankings and qualification battles. As they prepare for their decisive matchups against Iraq and India, the team carries the hopes of a nation eager to see them compete on Asia’s biggest stage. Head coach El Hajj remains optimistic, stressing, “We’re building something special, and these next games are our chance to show it.”

For a country of Bahrain’s size, their journey is nothing short of inspiring. As they chase a 10th appearance in the FIBA Asia Cup, one thing is clear: Bahrain is no longer just an underdog—they are a team that demands respect on the court. Their next games will define their path, but their rise is already a story worth following.