Feisty & fearless

FOUR of Bahrain’s best up-and-coming women’s basketball players are making the most of every opportunity to showcase their prowess – and they’re loving it, writes Patrick Oliver Salomon.

The kingdom’s talented quartet of 20-year-olds Bayan Salman and Noor Najaf, 19-year-old Bayan Marhoon, and 17-year-old Aya Kamali may all be young, but they are already playing an important role in the rapid development of the women’s game in Bahrain.

Just this week, they flew the kingdom’s flag in the first-ever Gulf Basketball Association (GBA) U21 3x3 Championships, held as part of an exciting six-day programme that culminates this weekend with the highly anticipated Manama Final of the 2025 Fiba 3x3 World Tour – the premier street basketball series of the International Basketball Federation (Fiba).

The GBA competition was the latest in which they battled together as a tight-knit group representing Bahrain, and with the nation’s sporting leadership aiming to further advance Bahraini basketball at every level – both in 3x3 and in five-on-five – this ‘fearless foursome’ is taking advantage of all the chances they can get.

“There are more events coming up for us now – the [Bahrain Basketball Association] is including us in a lot of things,” Bayan Salman tells Gulf Weekly.

“There are events in under-16, under-18, under-21, under-23, and at the senior level, so there are loads of opportunities coming up. We are very grateful for this, and we just continue to work hard, stay true to the game, and grab every moment.”

For the players, it means a lot to wear a Bahrain jersey.

“You always want to put your country first, so wearing the uniform is a great honour,” Noor says.

The four youngsters not only possess the skills to compete for the national team on the biggest basketball stage, but they also exhibit a feisty competitiveness and great passion for the sport that constantly burns inside them.

“I love how we have to go out every day and compete against anyone, give our maximum, and be the best version of ourselves,” says Aya.

“I feel like I want to beat everyone every time we play, trying to win all the time.

“I’m always determined to prove myself and show what I’m capable of doing during a game.”

Bayan Salman genuinely loves playing.

“It’s fun and I never get bored of it. I’m so competitive that, even in practice, I don’t like to lose,” she adds.

Playing for Bahrain has made their journey together mean more than a game, as their on-court cohesion translates to a strong bond off the court.

“This group is special to me – I consider them like my sisters, and I’m blessed to be able to play with them,” says Noor.

Aya adds: “This team holds a special place in my heart. Our connection has grown so strong that it feels like a sisterhood, and I’m truly thankful to compete with them.”

Bayan Salman concurs. “We’ve played with each other for a while now – participated in many tournaments with the national teams and our clubs, both in Bahrain and outside,” she explains.

“We have a very good chemistry as a team, and we always just hoop together by ourselves, just us four.

“We always encourage each other and trust one another, and that’s what I like best about this team.”

With the players ready to give their heart and effort for Bahrain, women’s basketball in the kingdom is headed towards a bright future.

“Getting these opportunities to play for our country certainly makes us feel empowered,” explains Bayan Salman. “We train very hard, and when you do that and achieve good results on the floor, it feels like you’re on top of the world.”