Doha – October 15, 2025
Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, crowned Al Rayyan as champions of the inaugural Qatar Super Cup Basketball for the 2025-2026 sports season on Wednesday evening. The triumph came after Al Rayyan’s decisive 97-72 victory over Al Sadd in the final held at the Lusail Multi-Purpose Sports Arena.
The crowning ceremony featured prominent figures including Ali Salem Affifa, Vice President of Al Rayyan Sports Club; Saoud Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and National Teams Director; and Ahmed Yusuf Al-Darwish, Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Competitions Committee. They were joined by several federation officials and club representatives.
Al Rayyan dominated from the tip-off, imposing their style with organized offense built on quick transitions and stout defense to claim the first quarter 36-23. The “Terrifying Ones” extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring Al Sadd 27-18 thanks to standout performances from their imports. They maintained control in the third, winning 20-12 with near-total command of the game. Al Sadd mounted a late rally in the fourth, taking it 19-14, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap, sealing Al Rayyan’s 97-72 win and inaugural Super Cup title.
Rolands Freimanis shone for Al Rayyan with 27 points, while Ding Ding Adel led Al Sadd with 20 points.
Al Rayyan advanced to the final with a commanding 101-74 semifinal win over Al Ahli, while Al Sadd progressed after edging Al Arabi 87-82.
Al-Mughaiseeb expressed pride in the tournament’s success, calling it a premium addition to the 2025-2026 calendar and a key pillar in the federation’s strategy to elevate local competitions and club rivalry. In post-ceremony remarks, he said: “We congratulate Al Rayyan on this well-deserved victory and commend Al Sadd’s strong showing in the final. We witnessed exemplary organization and elite technical play, reflecting the steady growth of Qatari basketball through the federation’s efforts to boost the sport domestically and internationally.”
He added: “The Super Cup is an innovative launchpad for the new season, pitting league and cup champions against each other to ignite competition. This debut edition featured four top teams—Al Rayyan, Al Arabi, Al Sadd, and Al Ahli—delivering high-caliber matches that signal teams’ readiness for the campaign ahead.”
The federation president affirmed the event’s place as an annual fixture for its technical and marketing value, noting plans to explore a future Gulf edition to broaden competition and foster regional expertise exchange. He concluded: “We extend our highest congratulations to the national football team on its historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals—a monumental national achievement that delights all Qatari sports enthusiasts and underscores our sports sector’s progress under wise leadership and visionary support.”
Saoud Sabah Al-Kuwari, the federation’s Secretary General and National Teams Director, hailed the tournament’s triumph, saying the final met high expectations in technical quality and execution. “It was a final worthy of Qatari basketball, with both teams displaying fierce spirit and tactical discipline, confirming clubs’ elevated standards and preparedness,” he noted. “Hosting the Super Cup at this juncture provided an ideal season kickoff, showcasing the federation and clubs’ professional organization. It will become an annual tradition we refine to amplify the sport’s prominence and momentum.” Al-Kuwari congratulated Al Rayyan on the historic title while praising Al Sadd’s resilient effort.
Ahmed Yusuf Al-Darwish, Assistant Secretary General and Competitions Committee Chairman, described the inaugural Super Cup as a qualitative leap in local tournament development, born from sustained efforts to heighten club competitiveness. “Launching the Super Cup is a strategic step to expand the calendar and inject energy into the season, blending league and His Highness the Emir’s Cup champions in a festive yet fiercely competitive showcase,” he said. He congratulated Al Rayyan, lauded Al Sadd’s performance, and thanked all clubs’ technical and administrative teams for their cooperation, discipline, organization, and fan turnout—proof of Qatari basketball’s positive trajectory.
Referees Honored in Festive Close
The ceremony concluded with Al-Mughaiseeb and the Qatari basketball community honoring the officiating crew amid applause from attendees and jubilant Al Rayyan fans, who hoisted the first-ever Super Cup trophy in the competition’s history.
