Beirut, Lebanon, February 20, 2022: Lebanon’s national basketball team received a hero’s welcome as they returned home after winning the Arab Basketball Championship for the first time.
They were crowned champions after a historic victory in Dubai on Wednesday, February 16, when they defeated Tunisia 72-69 in the final of the nine-team tournament hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
Hundreds of fans gathered at Beirut Airport to greet their sporting heroes with music and chanting. In return, the joyous members of the Lebanon basketball team proudly displayed their hard-won trophy.
Wael Arakji, who top-scored in the final for Lebanon with 22 points, told Arab News: “We did our best to achieve this victory to give hope to our people and remind them that we don’t surrender whatsoever.”
Arakji added: “We made history, winning the championship for the first time. This victory should be Lebanon’s torch of hope and I wish that it marks the end of our misery and the beginning of a brighter tomorrow.”
The victory will boost Lebanon’s hopes of qualifying for the FIBA World Cup 2023. On Thursday, February 24, Lebanon will face Jordan in Amman before meeting Saudi Arabia on Sunday, February 27, in Jeddah.
Lebanon is unbeaten and top Group C – which also includes Indonesia - in the first round of the Asian qualifiers.
Photo: Arab News
