- 11:50
Zouk Mikael is getting ready to throb to the rhythm of Asian basketball. As a dress rehearsal for the Asia Cup, Lebanon will host a lineup of heavyweights in a friendly competition that may not be so friendly after all.
With just a few days to go before tip-off, the tone is set. The Beirut Cup, scheduled from July 21 to 27 on the court of Nouhad Naufal, will bring together five powerhouses from the Arab and continental basketball scene: Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Egypt, and Syria. It’s the perfect warm-up before major events like the Asia Cup and Afrobasket.
A large Lebanese crowd is expected to come out and support their team, which will play its first game on Tuesday, July 22, at 9:00 PM against Jordan. The tournament will open the day before (Monday, July 21) with Egypt vs. Iran at 6:00 PM. Tickets are available online at www.ticketingboxoffice.com, at all affiliated sales points, and at the stadium entrance. The games will also be broadcast live on Télé Liban.
A Full-Scale Test
Lebanon, coached by Serbian Miodrag Perisic, began its first training sessions on Thursday, July 17. The coach has called up an extended squad of 17 players, of whom only 12 will be selected to play in the Asia Cup in Jeddah in early August. For Perisic and his staff, this “Beirut Cup” will serve as a tactical crash test.
“The grueling end-of-season schedule of the Lebanese league didn’t make things easy for us,” admitted Maroun Gebrayel, Director of National Teams. “The players had no break. But they know their mission, and this tournament—with such strong teams—is an excellent opportunity to fine-tune our game.” Gebrayel also issued a clear call to fans: “We need a real sixth man in the stands. Now is the time to show up.”
Delegations Arrive
Iran was the first to land in Beirut, immediately kicking off training sessions. Egypt is expected today, Syria on the 20th, and Jordan on the 21st. Zouk Mikael is set to take on the feel of a small Olympic village.
Organized by Global Active Sports and backed by the Lebanese Federation, the event aims to send a clear message: Lebanon is ready to reclaim its place in regional basketball glory. And it starts now.
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