Summary of the FIBA Congress Held in Manama
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Congress concluded yesterday in the Bahraini capital, Manama, after two dynamic days of discussions and recognitions. The event was graced by the presence of the esteemed Prince Fahd bin Jiluwi bin Musaad bin Abdulaziz, the Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and a member of the Coordination Committee of the Olympic Council of Asia. Also present were Engineer Ghassan Tajkandi, the President of the Saudi Basketball Federation, and other notable figures, marking a significant gathering in the sports realm.
During the congress, a special ceremony honored basketball legends, attended by Sheikh Saud Ali Al-Thani, the President of FIBA, alongside various dignitaries. This event witnessed participation from over 500 sports personalities representing 180 national federations, indicating a robust global presence in the basketball community.
In conjunction with the congress, an essential meeting of the delegations for the upcoming Asian Youth Games, set to take place in Bahrain next October, was held. The Saudi delegation was actively involved in this crucial meeting, where comprehensive preparations for the games were discussed. Topics included accommodations, transportation, medical services, and media arrangements, along with a field tour of the competition venues to ensure everything is in place for the event.
Prince Fahd bin Jiluwi emphasized the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and FIBA, highlighting the recent achievement of securing the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup to be hosted in Jeddah. This honor illustrates the confidence the federation has in the Kingdom’s capability to successfully organize major sports events. The prince’s remarks reflect a commitment to enhancing sports opportunities in Saudi Arabia and fostering further collaboration on the international stage.
The congress served as a platform to not only celebrate the sport of basketball but also strengthen international ties and showcase Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sports landscape. The kingdom’s ambition to host significant international sporting events aligns with its broader vision to establish itself as a hub for major competitions, which is increasingly being recognized by global sporting bodies.
In summary, the FIBA Congress in Manama highlighted the unity and collaborative efforts within the basketball community while positioning Saudi Arabia as a central player in the international sports arena. The successful completion of this congress and the upcoming Asian Youth Games reflect the organization’s dedication to fostering a vibrant sporting culture and ensuring the Kingdom’s readiness to host future global events.
