New-look Bahrain target Asia Cup return

Subotić era begins as nationals prepare for continental challenges

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s senior men’s national basketball team have stepped up preparations for a crucial period ahead, with the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers and the 20th Asian Games set to provide early tests under a new coaching regime.

The nationals are continuing their training programme ahead of the opening round of the Asia Cup pre-qualifiers, which will be held in Dubai from August 26 to 31.

The tournament will mark the start of a new chapter for the national team under Greek-Slovenian head coach Slobodan Subotić, who was appointed last month to succeed fellow Greek tactician Georgios Vovoras.

Subotić brings extensive international experience to the role, having previously managed European giants including Panathinaikos, Olympiacos and AEK Athens. He has also led the national teams of Slovenia and Lebanon, adding valuable club and international experience to Bahrain’s coaching setup.

The Bahrainis have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Nepal, with the top three teams advancing to the second round of the pre-qualifiers.

They begin their campaign against Oman on August 27 before facing the UAE the following day. After a rest day on August 29, Bahrain return to action against Nepal on August 30 before wrapping up their group stage against Kuwait on August 31.

The second round, scheduled for November 23 to December 1, will feature 12 teams split into two groups of six. The top four from each group will then advance to the Fiba Asia Cup 2029 Qualifiers, where 24 teams will compete for 16 places at the continental finals.

The final qualifying stage will be played across three windows in November 2027, and February and November 2028.

Following their Dubai assignment, Bahrain will turn their focus towards the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

The upcoming competitions will represent Subotić’s first major challenges in charge as Bahrain look to return to the Fiba Asia Cup after their last appearance in 2022, when they finished 13th overall in Jakarta, Indonesia. The kingdom has previously qualified for nine editions of the continental championship.