Bahrain youth basketball squad heads to Germany

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s national under-18 basketball team is preparing to compete in the 31st Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim and Viernheim, Germany, from April 4 to 11. The tournament is one of the most prestigious youth competitions worldwide, attracting elite teams from across the globe.

The Bahrain Basketball Federation (BBF) confirmed that the squad will face a strong international field, including teams from Germany, Serbia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Latvia, Italy, Brazil, Sweden, China, New Zealand, and Japan. The competition offers an important opportunity for Bahraini players to test themselves against advanced basketball programs and refine their skills ahead of major regional tournaments.

In the lead-up to the tournament, Engineer Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the BBF, visited the team’s training sessions to meet players, coaches, and staff. Nader Al Awadhi, Vice President of the federation, and Mohamed Abdul Samad, Board Member and Treasurer, were also present. Shaikh Mohammed encouraged the squad to perform at their best and represent Bahrain with pride. “I am confident in your ability to showcase the progress of Bahraini basketball and achieve positive results in this important international competition,” he said.

The team is following an intensive training program, focusing on technical development, physical conditioning, and team cohesion. The delegation will travel to Germany four days before the tournament begins, allowing players to acclimate to the local conditions and maximize their readiness.

Participation in the Albert Schweitzer Tournament also forms part of Bahrain’s preparation for the Gulf Basketball Association (GBA) qualifiers for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 in Doha. Competing against top international sides, including Germany, Serbia, Slovenia, and Japan, will help raise the team’s performance levels and provide exposure to different playing styles.

The BBF considers these international competitions critical in developing a new generation of Bahraini basketball talent, equipping players with the experience and confidence needed to represent the kingdom with distinction on both continental and global stages.