Lebanon and Syria Triumph in Youth Basketball Championship
©Lara Arakirilian
Lebanon secured the male title, and Syria claimed the female title in the first West Asia Under-14 Basketball Championship, organized by the West Asia Basketball Federation and successfully hosted by the Lebanese Basketball Federation at the President Michel Sleiman Complex in the city of Jbeil. The Secretary-General of the West Asia Federation and the Secretary-General of the Lebanese Federation, Lawyer Charbel Michel Rizk, oversaw the organizational and administrative matters. They closely monitored the championship on the ground throughout the competition, from its inception to its conclusion, ensuring its success. The tournament was sponsored by "Sport Expert."

The final day was attended by the Deputy President of the Asian Basketball Federation and President of the Lebanese Federation, Akram Halabi, members of the federation, the Continental Union's Secretary-General, Hagop Khachatrian, officials from the West Asia Federation, club presidents and members, the Lebanese basketball family and the parents of the players.

Lebanon's male team achieved victory over Syria with a score of 72-45 in a match decisively won by the Cedar team early on, thanks to the significant lead taken by its players. They successfully imposed their control on the game's atmosphere since the second quarter, following the instructions of Georges Saleeby, their esteemed coach. Saleeby managed to outmaneuver the opposing team, despite Lebanon winning against Syria in the first round (83-74). Saturday's match proved different due to Saleeby's successful strategic analysis and the mental, physical and technical preparation of his players along with the coaching staff. It became evident that Lebanon's team possesses great potential and talent awaiting a promising future.

In the female category, Syria claimed the title by defeating Lebanon 49-38 in the final. It's worth noting that Lebanon's female team won against Syria by just one basket in the first round. After the points were close in the first two quarters, the Syrian national team's players managed to surpass Lebanon's females in the third and fourth quarters, securing the championship title for the first edition.


In the closing ceremony, the winners were crowned amid a festive atmosphere.

It's worth mentioning that the West Asia region had not previously hosted an Under-14 championship and later an Under-12 championship to nurture the budding generation in the region.

Lara Arakirilian
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