Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) Secretary-General, Ali Al Malki and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Vice President of Student Affairs, Maryam Al Mannai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate more closely on student basketball development and activities.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior officials from QBF and HBKU recently at the HBKU Student Centre in Education City.

The collaboration is the first of its kind between the two parties. It forms an agreement that will extend over the years and will provide a pathway for the development of basketball participation and competition among university students in Qatar. The agreement also marks the inaugural Qatar Universities Basketball Cup (QUBC), starting 1 October, co-organised by QBF and HBKU.

The milestone agreement will see the Federation and the University supporting greater involvement from university students, where QBF and HBKU will share resources to promote and facilitate the sport by coaching, hosting and officiating basketball activities.

Speaking about the partnership, Al Malki said the agreement is an integral part of QBF’s new strategic plan and demonstrates both parties’ commitment to further develop and enhance our sport. 

Our cooperation is an important step forward because we now have a structured plan with HBKU and Ms Al-Mannai has been great in her approach to further promote our interaction and achieve our common goals through joint competitions, workshops, and activities.’

In addition to sharing basketball management responsibilities and technical expertise, the QBF will work closely with HBKU on planning, promoting, organising and hosting competitions. The cooperation also includes professional basketball training and technical workshops, and dissemination of these activities through media publications and conferences.

Al Malki also highlighted the terms of the agreement, which is open to all levels and ensures that players, coaches, officials or referees from any university teams can proceed and develop skills that can lead to elite level participation. 

QBF’s collaboration will extend across many educational institutions covering both codes of basketball – the 5×5 and the new Olympic sport of 3×3. With more Doha basketball competitions, such opportunities for participants to our game are encouraged and strongly supported. 

The Federation has also agreed to short-term placement of university students to provide them an insight into the basketball industry. Students are placed with QBF staff primarily so that they can observe and learn. However, if they acquire skills such as photography or video recording/editing, they may be permitted to use these skills at the Qatar Universities Basketball Cup and or other major basketball events.’

Maryam Al-Mannai, vice president of student affairs at HBKU, said they believe that learning goes beyond the classroom and research labs.

By taking the initiative and by playing an important role in hosting the inaugural Qatar Universities Basketball Cup, we continue to showcase our commitment to serving the community with diligent fervor. Along with the QBF, and together with our partners in Qatar Foundation, as well as universities across Qatar, we are looking forward to promoting and advocating sportsmanship. 

As Qatar Foundation’s homegrown university, we are proud to take the lead on a national competition like this, and play our part in promoting a deeper sense of community across the society.’

Visit the QBF website for updates on the  QUB Cup.