His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and Head of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation, crowned South Korea basketball champions at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, hosted by Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026, presenting the team with the gold medal following their triumph in the competition.

South Korea secured the title after defeating Japan 67-57 in a closely contested final. The medal ceremony was held in the presence of His Highness Prince Fahad bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the Executive Board of the Olympic Council of Asia; Hideaki Omura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture and President of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC); and Dr K. Govindaraj, President of FIBA Asia.

His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa congratulated the South Korean team on winning the gold medal, praising their performance throughout the competition and the outstanding display that led them to the top of the podium.

His Highness affirmed that the final reflected the advanced level of Asian basketball and the strong technical capabilities of the participating teams. He also praised the overall standard of the basketball competition, which was marked by strong rivalry and excitement.

His Highness said: “We congratulate the South Korean team on winning the gold medal, and we also congratulate the Japanese team on their performance and their qualification for the final. We witnessed strong contests and distinguished technical levels that reflect the development of basketball across the Asian continent.”

His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa added that the Asian Games represent an important gathering for the continent’s athletes and contribute to strengthening sporting competition and the exchange of expertise among Asian countries. He wished all participating teams and athletes success in the remaining competitions of the Games.