Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 25, 2022: It’s fast, it’s energy-sapping and it is physical. Women’s basketball 3x3 got off to an electric start at the 3rd GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Games Kuwait 2022 on Saturday, May 28, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as favourites for the gold medal.
All six countries participating in the Gulf Games are represented in the women’s basketball 3x3, and taking top billing on the first of the two days of action at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex, were the ladies from the UAE who remained unbeaten after four outings.
“We are leaving everything out there on the floor and we are feeling good and comfortable. Yes, we are looking good for the gold medal, but we are not looking too far ahead. It is game by game,” said UAE’s Amna Al-Mheiri pumped up after a narrow 14-12 victory over Kuwait.
The action unfolds over 10 minutes, or the first to get to 21 points if that happened more quickly. Unlike in traditional basketball, play hardly stops and both teams go for the same basket on a smaller court.
There are four players on each team, with only three on court at any one time.
“This is tougher than regulation 5x5 basketball,” says Qatar national coach Mirna Mitic. “You have to make your decisions faster, be fitter and be able to give and take contact.”
All delicious ingredients for non-stop action made even more manic as the offence clock is set at 12 seconds – the time you have to make a shot.
“This version of basketball evolved in the streets in the United States I believe. It is rough and tough. I also played the regular version of basketball for the UAE, but I’m enjoying this more,” laughed Al-Mheiri.
The UAE had enough and more reasons to smile after they overcame Bahrain (17-7), Kuwait (14-12), Saudi Arabia 16-14) and Oman 18-7.
They have one more preliminary round match to play – on Sunday – against Qatar before the top four teams enter the knockout semi-finals with the top-ranked team up against number four, and two versus three.
Joining UAE in the top four after the opening day of action were Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. On the first day’s evidence, it is likely these four will be in the mix in the semis.
The Emirati women have come far over the past two years. At the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang – when 3x3 made its medal debut at the event – Qatar was the only Gulf country competing in the 16-team competition.
“3-on-3 is quite new in the UAE, but it is fast becoming popular. I hope we can win the gold as that will give the sport a further boost,” Al-Mheiri added.
