In an unprecedented move in the Middle East and Lebanon, the Lebanese Basketball Federation, under the supervision of the West Asia Basketball Federation, will be hosting the West Asia Male and Female Under-14 Championship from December 6 to 9 at the “President Michel Sleiman Sports City” in Jbeil.
Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, will participate in the regional tournament. Daily matches for both male and female teams will take place over three days, culminating in the finals next Saturday.
This marks the first-ever Under-14 tournament in West Asia, followed by an Under-12 tournament. Lebanon initiated this step, welcomed by the regional federation to nurture promising talent in the region. Lebanon, known for successfully organizing basketball tournaments for various age groups in recent years, attracts attention from fans, media and the Lebanese basketball community, showcasing numerous talented players.
Schedule:
Males (Under-14):
Wednesday, December 6: Iraq vs. Syria (19:00)
Thursday, December 7: Syria vs. Lebanon (19:00)
Friday, December 8: Lebanon vs. Iraq (19:00)
Saturday, December 9: Final (19:00)
Females (Under-14):
Wednesday, December 6: Iraq vs. Syria (16:30)
Thursday, December 7: Syria vs. Lebanon (16:30)
Friday, December 8: Lebanon vs. Iraq (16:30)
Saturday, December 9: Final (16:30)
Both the Lebanese male and female teams are undergoing training for the regional competition. The Lebanese Basketball Federation selected coaches and assistants based on their coaching credentials, who, in turn, chose players after trials in various Lebanese regions.
The West Asia Championship serves as a significant milestone for youth basketball regionally, with positive implications for the development of basketball in West Asia, specifically in Lebanon. Secretary-General of the West Asia Federation and Secretary-General of the Lebanese Federation, Lawyer Charbel Michel Rizk, emphasized the thorough preparations to host both championships, inviting basketball enthusiasts to support the Lebanese teams during the regional competition.
