Qatar's 3x3 gold medalist cagers get rousing welcome
DOHA, September 27, 2017- Qatar's men's 3x3 national basketball team arrived on Tuesday to a rousing welcome at the Hamad International Airport after clinching the gold medal at the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The welcoming ceremony was attended by officials of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), the basketball community as well as the players family, friends and the media.
The unbeatable team of Abdulrahman Saad, Nedim Muslic, Tanguy Ngombo and Erfan Saeed ended the competition with a perfect six wins in six matches.
QBF President Ahmed al Muftah welcomed the victorious team, praised them for bringing glory and honour to Qatar.
"The team achieved this great result against all odds despite the negative backdrop of our political situation. These four gentlemen displayed the courage and stamina that reflects our national pride," Muftah said.
He added that the team played with absolute professionalism and in the spirit of the game.
"Their cohesion and teamwork is what made them stand out from other teams. They unselfishly played for each other and were rewarded for it. Their behaviour on and off the court won them gold and the hearts of thousands watching," the QBF president said.
QBF Secretary-General Ali al Malki dedicated the victory to the Emir of Qatar.
"The gold medal won by our players is a triumph for Qatar and in particular our exemplary leader and guide His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani."
"The Qatar national team was inspired by the Emir and his continuing efforts to preserve the dignity and interests of our country. The victory symbolises our sovereignty and all who live in and love Qatar."
The Qatar cagers thumped their Iraqi counterparts 22 -12 in the final to become the highlight of international 3x3 basketball.
Saeed, the team captain and top scorer in the final with 11 points, said,"The Ashgabat experience was pretty special. It was great to come away finally with another gold medal. It was much different to other events we almost didn't make the final. But we came to win and that's what we did".
Ngombo who hit the winning basket at the buzzer in the semi-finals against Mongolia (15-14) was ecstatic about been back home with the gold medal.
"I am so happy about our gold performance. The Mongolia match was a real heart stopper. I honestly thought we lost it. With seconds on the clock, I thought I have nothing to loose. I took a shot and thank God it was on the buzzer and the game winner," he said.
"We are home now and happy to convey the amazing experience of the gold medal," Ngombo added.
Saad, could not hide his smiles as he proudly strutted the airport with his shining medal around his neck."Yes, of course we are all happy. We went to the Ashgabat with only one thing in mind and that was to win the gold and make Qatar proud".
"We played a great tournament winning six from six. I am so happy to be part of this team and to be back in Doha to share the experience with my family and friends," he said.
Muslic, who was instrumental during the tournament said,"What a great feeling it is to be wearing the gold. I can never get enough of it. It's really good to be home after such a busy competition. To see the Federation and our supporters here to greet us makes the win a little more special.
The players will converge again on October 10 in preparations for the all-important FIBA Asia Cup 2017 to be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from October 27 to 29.
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