The wheelchair basketball competition at the 4th West Asian Para Games concluded on 3 February 2024, in Sharjah, UAE. The eight-day event showcased intense matchups between five teams in the region Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
The tournament tipped off on 27 January with Oman facing Bahrain and Iraq taking on the host nation, UAE. The opening day set the tone for the competition, with Bahrain securing a 66-53 victory over Oman, while Iraq narrowly edged past UAE with a final score of 47-45.
As the days unfolded, each match brought its own excitement and drama. Notable encounters included UAE's hard-fought 54-39 victory over Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia's impressive 56-49 win against Iraq on the same day.
The semi-final stage on 1 February added another layer of intensity to the competition. In the first semi-final, Iraq sought retribution and reversed the scoreline from the group stages against Saudi Arabia with a convincing 59-40 victory. The second semi-final saw the host nation, UAE, securing their spot in the final with a 57-42 win against Bahrain.
On 2 February, the battle for the podium unfolded. In the bronze medal match, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia clashed in a closely contested game, with Saudi Arabia emerging victorious with a final score of 57-42. The gold medal match featured a high-stakes encounter between Iraq and the host nation, UAE. In a thrilling contest, UAE emerged triumphant, claiming the gold with a 52-34 victory over Iraq.
The 4th West Asian Para Games wheelchair basketball competition not only celebrated the outstanding athletic abilities of the participating nations but also highlighted the inclusivity and spirit of the Paralympic movement. As the tournament concluded, athletes, coaches, and fans alike celebrated the achievements and camaraderie witnessed throughout the event, leaving a lasting impression on the West Asian sporting landscape.
Photos courtesy of the West Asian Para Federation
