The FIMBA GB +45 Women delivered an outstanding campaign to win silver at the IMGA games in Abu Dhabi, before making history by being the first Masters basketball team to represent GB in 3×3 and winning another silver.
The +45 Women have not competed internationally since making their debut in Malaga, 2022, but with several of the multi-medal winning +40 Women now moving to the new age category the opportunity to compete in Abu Dhabi was too good to miss.
The International Masters Games Association (IMGA) is the world’s largest multi-sport event for masters athletes. Recognised by the International Olympic Committee, these games promote “sport for all” by enabling lifelong competition in numerous sports, unforgettable moments, and true team spirit. From the spectacular opening ceremony – featuring world-class performances from Rita Ora and Leona Lewis – to the final buzzer of the championship game, the tournament showcased everything that makes masters sport so special, combining passion, pride, and international camaraderie.
The tournament schedule was tricky with two full games on Day 1, but GB beat Lithuania by 20 and cruised past Mongolia, enabling Coach Lauder to rotate the bench, give everyone some good game time and try different combinations for the games ahead.
When we first saw the schedule, I was concerned about playing two full games in one day at this level, but the girls were fantastic and worked so hard for each other. We were able to give GB debuts to 3 players as well, which is always special and they all contributed to a successful first day.
Bruce Lauder – Head Coach, +45 Women
Day 2 was somewhat easier with a record 73-15 morning win against India, allowing the team to explore some of the other venues and sports in the afternoon and support new friends made at the opening ceremony and other GB athletes.
A hard fought battle against Russia, ensured GB topped their group and moved on to the semi finals against Slovakia, who had impressed to finish 2nd in Group B. The game did not start well for GB as the significant height difference, coupled with them moving away from their game plan, proved crucial to Slovakia streaking out to an 10 point lead . A timeout by Coach Lauder refocussed the team and they came back out of the blocks firing, imposing their high-tempo game on Slovakia to take the lead into half-time. In the second half, it was more of the same as GB stretched their lead and qualified for the final.
Unfortunately, the final was that same evening against a Czech team who cruised through their semi-final, so were much more rested. Under the bright lights and sounds of the show court for the first time, the team was full of confidence and belief, even though they knew they would have to play their very best to win Gold. The game started slowly, with both teams defences working well and neither team able to dominate on the offensive end, so it was GB who held a slim 2 point lead at the end of the first quarter. Moving into the second quarter, the Czech’s started to impose their strength and physicality, making every possession hard-earned. GB were being bumped and hit on every drive and shot, with the officials allowing a lot of contact, which played into the Czech’s hands as they took the lead into the break. Despite Coach Lauder’s protests at half time on the level of physicality, the officials continued to let it go until an injury to one of the GB players changed the game in favour of the Czechs. Despite a late run by GB and their refusal to back down, the Czechs claimed the gold, but GB won a very well deserved Silver.
I couldn’t be prouder of the team. It was an amazing experience with a wonderful group of players. Despite going up against a much stronger team in the final, who have clearly played together for a long time, we showed real strength to keep with them and we never gave up. Our success is due to the belief from the coaches and so a massive thank you to them.
Charlie Lauder – Captain
After the medal ceremony, it was back to the hotel for a celebratory party as the team enjoyed their success together as well as dancing, singing and laughing a lot!!
A thoroughly deserved two day break gave the team time to soak up more of the other sports on offer as well as exploring the desert and culture of Abu Dhabi, before the attention switched to the 3×3 competition.
Making history as the first Masters team to represent GB in 3×3, they entered two teams in different age categories to ensure they didn’t end up playing each other. In the new venue, and in true 3×3 style, the DJ was pumped, the lights were shining and it was a real party atmosphere on and off the court. The +35 struggled with the less structed style of 3×3 and only managed to pick up one win against Abu Dhabi, losing to Russia, Siberia and Mongolia to take 4th place. The +45 team, however despatched Russia, Mongolia and Dubai to qualify for the finals, where they faced Russia and an agonising 14-12 loss, with a shot on the buzzer to tie falling just short.
Being able to give everyone another run out and try 3×3 was a really nice end to the tournament, the atmosphere was electric and both teams did well, but picking up another silver is an incredible achievement, especially as we haven’t played that style before. I want to send my huge thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this experience so special, but also massive congrats to the team and thank you for believing in me as a coach and achieving more success. These ladies are going through so much outside of the basketball court; their determination, passion and team spirit should be an inspiration to everyone.
Coach Lauder
Photos by Anthony Fleyhan / Christophe Viseux / OMGAD2026