Manama: Sitra Club won the Bahrain Under-21 Basketball League title after defeating Al Najma Club 84-60 in the final. The final was attended by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Basketball Association (FIBA), and Abdulmajeed Al Yamani, Sitra Club President.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali crowned Sitra champions and presented the players and members of the technical and administrative staff with the championship trophy and gold medals. His Highness also presented Al Najma with the silver medals. Muharraq Club secured third place after finishing top of the preliminary stage of the league, which was held for the first time.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali stated in a press release that the inaugural under-21 Basketball League had achieved success, highlighting that the competition had met technical and development objectives set by the FIBA. He expressed pride in the success of the first edition of the league, noting that it reflected the association's vision to develop the sport's player base and provide greater opportunities for young players to gain competitive experience at an important stage of their development.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali added that the technical standards displayed throughout the competition, along with the strong attendance at the final, underscored the success of the initiative and the importance of continuing it in future seasons, in line with the association's strategy to build strong national teams supported by age-group competitions. He also commended the efforts of the FIBA to develop its competitions and technical programmes in a manner that serves the future of the sport and enhances its competitiveness at the Gulf, continental and international levels.
The Under-21 Basketball League was introduced for the first time as part of the association's calendar, within efforts to expand participation in the sport, develop young talent, and prepare promising players to strengthen the national teams in the coming period.