Molina de Segura, Murcia, played host to the Spanish 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball Championship for Autonomous Teams (CESA 2026) on March 20th and 21st, where Club Melilla Baloncesto delivered a commendable performance. Despite facing unique challenges, the club showcased its competitive spirit and dedication to the sport.
Representing the Autonomous City of Melilla, two teams from the club participated in the championship. The teams competed despite the added difficulty of lacking a regular league or consistent opponents in this discipline within their city. A total of 18 individuals – players, teammates, and family members – comprised the Melilla expedition, making their presence felt throughout the 11 matches played by both teams.
Melilla 1 secured victories in five matches, defeating Murcia 2 with a score of 5-8 and Castilla-La Mancha 1-3. Melilla 2 competed in six games, achieving wins against Castilla-La Mancha (6-1), Murcia 2 (5-2), and Valencia 2 (0-11). Both teams also faced strong competition from teams representing the Basque Country, Madrid, Navarre, Aragon, and Catalonia.
Karim Abdelkader, who serves as the coach for both teams and is also a player for Melilla Ciudad del Deporte Baloncesto en Silla de Ruedas, expressed his satisfaction and pride in his players’ performance. He highlighted not only their skill on the court but also the enthusiasm and enjoyment they displayed throughout the two-day competition. “It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication,” Abdelkader said, according to reports from the club.
The players representing Melilla included Adam Koulati, Haron Mohamed, Nour Mohamed, Carmen Porras, Zineb Darkaoui, Bilel Boumandi, Soufian Bouchaoni, and Ismael Menéndez. Their participation underscores the growing commitment to wheelchair basketball within the region.
Upon their return to Melilla on Monday, March 23rd, the team received a warm welcome from Miguel Ángel Fernández, the Sports Counselor, and Jaime Auday, the President of Club Melilla Baloncesto. Both officials extended their congratulations and appreciation to the team and their families for their efforts and representation of the city.
The CESA 2026 championship is part of the broader Team España Futuro-Campeonatos de España en edad escolar (CESA) program, designed to promote sports development at the youth level across Spain. This year’s event in Molina de Segura specifically focused on 3×3 wheelchair basketball, a rapidly growing adaptation of the sport.
Molina de Segura was selected as the host city for the 2026 edition of this event, continuing its commitment to inclusive sports initiatives. The city’s facilities and support for athletes make it an ideal location for such competitions. The event also highlighted the increasing visibility of wheelchair basketball, a sport gaining traction both nationally and internationally.
The success of Club Melilla Baloncesto at the CESA 2026 championship serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region and demonstrates the power of sport to foster inclusivity and community spirit. The team’s performance is a significant step forward for wheelchair basketball in Melilla, and their dedication promises continued growth and success in the future.
Looking ahead, Club Melilla Baloncesto will continue to train and prepare for future competitions, aiming to build on the momentum gained at the CESA 2026 championship. The club is committed to providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities to participate in the sport and reach their full potential.
The next scheduled event for the team is currently under review, with details to be announced on the club’s official website. Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and show their continued support for Club Melilla Baloncesto.
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