Doha : Al Arabi Club claimed the title of the Qatar Basketball Youth Cup (U-19) for the 2025–2026 season after defeating Al Gharafa 70–52 in the final held on Friday evening, May 8, 2026, at Al Gharafa Sports Hall.
The final showcased a highly competitive atmosphere, with both teams delivering an impressive technical performance that reflected the significant progress of youth competitions. The match drew a strong crowd and was attended by officials from the Qatar Basketball Federation along with enthusiasts of the sport.
Al Arabi imposed its superiority throughout the encounter thanks to collective play, tactical discipline, and sharp focus from its players, securing a well-deserved victory and the championship title. Al Gharafa, meanwhile, put up a spirited fight and remained a tough opponent until the closing moments.
Following the match, Mr. Mishal Abdullah Al-Malki, Board Member of the Qatar Basketball Federation, presented Al Arabi’s players with the championship trophy and gold medals amid festive celebrations, while Al Gharafa received silver medals for finishing second.
On this occasion, Mr. Al-Malki praised the high technical level and strong competition witnessed in the U-19 Qatar Basketball Youth Cup, commending the performances of both Al Arabi and Al Gharafa in the final. He congratulated Al Arabi on their triumph and acknowledged Al Gharafa’s commendable showing throughout the tournament, wishing all clubs success in upcoming competitions while emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to develop Qatari basketball across all age groups.
He noted that youth competitions reflect the remarkable growth of Qatari basketball in recent years, highlighting the Federation’s strong commitment to grassroots development as the foundation for building the sport’s future and preparing a new generation of talented players.
Mr. Al-Malki added that the performances of the participating teams throughout the tournament demonstrate the success of technical programs within the clubs and their ability to discover and nurture talent effectively. He expressed his satisfaction with the competitive spirit displayed during the championship.
He concluded by affirming that the final between Al Arabi and Al Gharafa embodied high sportsmanship and showcased the great technical potential of young players, stressing that such tournaments are a vital step in preparing athletes for future stages and in strengthening national teams with outstanding talent.
