Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The Kuwaiti team Al-Qurain emerged victorious in the first edition of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies, defeating Qatar’s Al-Gharafa with a score of 71-55 in the final match held at the new headquarters of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy in Abu Dhabi.
The tournament, hosted under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation “Mother of the Nation,” was a significant milestone in promoting women’s sports across the Gulf region. The event was held under the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi Ladies Club and Al Ain Ladies Club.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated all participating teams, expressing her pride in the successful launch of the tournament. She emphasized the Academy’s commitment to providing an ideal sporting environment that aligns with the leadership’s vision to support women in sports. “I want to express my immense joy and pride in the success of the first edition of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies. This sporting event has been an inspiration and celebration of sports and excellence, with remarkable performances and a high level of fair competition,” she said.
Her Highness also extended her heartfelt thanks to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her unwavering support in enhancing the role of women across all fields. She highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering collaboration and solidarity among Gulf nations, contributing to the strengthening of fraternal bonds.
The tournament also saw the Omani team Salalah secure third place by defeating the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy basketball team with a score of 52-39. The event garnered significant public and media attention, reflecting the growing community interest in women’s sports and the need for continued support and development of female athletes in the region.
The awards ceremony was attended by senior officials, including His Excellency Talal Al Hashimi, Board Member of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, along with representatives from the participating delegations. His Excellency praised the collective efforts that contributed to the success of the inaugural tournament, thanking sports institutions, sponsors, and other stakeholders for their support.
Mr. Abdullah Mutawah, head of the Al-Qurain Kuwaiti Club delegation, expressed pride in his team’s performance and the impressive statistics achieved by the players. He noted that the strength of the competition would significantly contribute to the players’ development as they prepare for future challenges.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hamdan Al Zaabi, Board Member of the UAE Basketball Federation, commended the efforts made in organizing the tournament. He emphasized that such events are crucial for discovering new talent and providing platforms for women to excel in sports, ultimately leading to the growth and success of women’s basketball in the region.
The Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy GCC Basketball Cup for Ladies has set a strong foundation for future editions, promising continued support for women’s sports and the development of talented female athletes across the Gulf.
