Manama: His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Deputy President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the 2025 FIBA Congress and Hall of Fame Ceremony, has underscored the significance of the upcoming Khalifa bin Salman Basketball Cup final. Scheduled for May 14, the match between Manama and Muharraq is being hailed as a landmark event in Bahraini basketball history, attributed to its strong public turnout and unprecedented international presence.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali noted that the final will be graced by the presence of Shaikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), and Major General Ismail Al Gergawi, President of the Arab Basketball Federation. The event will also feature senior global basketball officials and renowned international legends, including Yao Ming, the former China national team star and NBA player for the Houston Rockets, and Dirk Nowitzki, the German basketball icon and former Dallas Mavericks player.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali emphasized that the final is more than just a domestic title match; it serves as a global platform reflecting the advanced status of Bahraini basketball. This status is the result of years of development and institutional work by the Bahrain Basketball Association. He pointed out that the high-level international attendance is a testament to Bahrain's respected standing in the global sports community.
Moreover, HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali mentioned that hosting the final alongside the FIBA Congress and Hall of Fame Ceremony has attracted the international basketball community's attention to Bahrain. This event has bolstered Bahrain's reputation as a leading nation in sports, particularly basketball.
In expressing his gratitude, HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali thanked His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, for his support of the sports sector in the Kingdom. He noted that such backing is crucial for the continued success of national sports federations.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali also highlighted HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad's commitment to developing sports both locally and internationally. He added that global events like this one elevate local standards and create new opportunities for athletes and officials, thereby enhancing Bahrain's international sporting profile.