Thamer Al-Shanfa

KUWAIT CITY, May 19: The Kuwait Basketball Federation Cup for the 2024-2025 sports season officially kicks off today, with nine local clubs vying for the title in a knockout-style tournament that runs through May 29.

The first round opens with two matches featuring Al-Arabi vs. Al-Tadamon and Al-Nasr vs. Al-Sulaibikhat. Action continues the following day with three more matchups involving Kuwait Club, Yarmouk, Al-Qurain, and Kazma.

Defending champion Al-Qadsia received a bye to the second round, as per the tournament draw, in recognition of its title win in the previous edition.

Thamer Al-Shanfa, Secretary General of the Kuwait Basketball Federation, announced that all technical and organizational preparations have been finalized at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. He anticipates strong competition, noting the intensity typically seen in single-elimination formats, especially with this being the final tournament of the season.

Historically, the Federation Cup has seen seven different champions. Al-Qadsia Club leads the pack with a record 26 titles, followed by Kuwait Club with 16. Al-Arabi has claimed the cup nine times, Kazma three times, Al-Jahra twice, while Al-Sahel and Al-Nasr have each won it once.