West Asia is witnessing remarkable achievements on the basketball and football fronts as teams showcase their talents across various competitions. This week, the spotlight shines on the youth with Real Madrid's U13 team clinching the title for the second consecutive year at the U13 Dubai Intercontinental Football Cup. With 24 teams participating, this tournament aims at nurturing and discovering promising football talent.
The young Real Madrid players emerged victorious after defeating Celta Vigo 2-1, receiving the golden cup awarded by esteemed representatives of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC). Among the notable attendees were H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, Deputy Chairman of DSC, and former Real Madrid star Michel Salgado, celebrating the success of development-focused initiatives. The silver cup went to Rodina, who outlasted Chelsea, and Fursan Hispania took home the bronze after defeating Al-Wahda.
Pablo Garcia from Real Madrid was recognized as the best player of the tournament, contributing significantly to his team's success. His teammate, Guillermo Collado, became the top scorer, showcasing the talent pool present at this competitive event. Celta Vigo's Iker Loredo was awarded the best goalkeeper title, affirming the competitive nature of the championship.
This event exemplifies the collaborative efforts of the DSC and local enterprises aiming to advance the sports sector. By engaging with elite international academies, Emirati clubs can not only hone their players' skills but also prepare them for potential recruitment by significant global clubs.
The momentum continues as Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia, under the management of German coach Matthias Jaissle, marks its presence in the AFC Champions League by becoming the only team this season to win all its away matches. Their four consecutive victories against formidable opponents like Al-Sadd and Al-Ain signpost their potential to mount a serious title challenge this year.
Al-Ahli is eagerly preparing for their Round of 16 matchup against Qatar's Al-Rayyan, set for March 4, 2025, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Each match tests their mettle, and their away wins cement their capability to handle the pressure of continental football.
Meanwhile, the basketball scene is heating up as Al Riyadi of Lebanon prepares for the 2024/2025 FIBA WASL-West Asia League, kicking off at Nouhad Nawfal Stadium. The team aims for history by seeking their third consecutive title—a feat unmatched within the region's basketball framework. This season’s first match is against the debuting Amman United, spicing up the competitive atmosphere as both sides feature familiar faces from national team events.
Riyadi's subsequent match against Tabiat follows on March 5, where they'll face another new contender fresh off their victory in the Iran Basketball League. The match against Sagesse on March 8 promises fireworks, as it revisits the previous season's exhilarating encounters marked by Riyadi's narrow victory with key performances from star player Wael Arakji.
All participating teams will engage under a round-robin format, with the league spreading thrilling basketball action from March 4 to April 13. The tournament promises to bring excitement as it determines which teams will secure spots in the FIBA WASL Final 8, scheduled for May.
Through competitive excellence and community engagement, these sports events reinforce West Asia’s dedication to enriching the region’s athletic promise and international standing. The youth and professional squads not only hone their skills but also inspire future generations of athletes eager to make their mark on the global stage.