"VAN" (Sports Desk - 17.05.2025) :: A record-breaking number of delegates for a FIBA Mid-Term Congress were in attendance at the prestigious Exhibition World Bahrain today. The Plenary session took place in the morning, and an array of new services for National Federations was presented to the record 167 National Federations present in the afternoon session.
As well as National Federations, the event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Issa bin Ali Al-Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, and FIBA Foundation Board Member.
Additionally, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach contributed with welcome remarks via a video, followed by an address from FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani. He reminded the audience of the incredible momentum the sport is experiencing heading towards the next FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis provided an update to delegates on FIBA's strategy for the current cycle, while also continuing the theme of highlighting the sport's soaring popularity. This included the success and exposure it enjoyed in the lead up to and at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - as well as the eye-catching growth of the women's game.
Speaking after the Congress, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis stated: "We sincerely thank Bahrain for their exceptional hosting of this FIBA Mid-Term Congress and also thank the record number of National Federations who have joined us.
"It's very rewarding to be able to reflect on the success of our sport alongside so many representatives of the FIBA Family – especially as we continue to witness basketball's popularity, growth and impact worldwide. But most importantly, being able to look forward with real excitement at how we can continue this global trend, which is why we are very pleased to be delivering new services to the National Federations.
"We are also now ready for some interesting discussions in our breakout sessions tomorrow, when we turn our collective focus to key areas such as Women in Basketball, 3x3, the FIBA Plus program, and other topics."
Meanwhile, for the first time, 14 FIBA competition trophies were on display at the event, and the impressive silverware collection underlined the sport's global nature and the importance of this year's various Continental Cups and U19 World Cups.
Congress also received a report from FIBA Treasurer Ingo Weiss, as well as reports from the organizations officially recognized by FIBA, including the FIBA Foundation and the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF).
A number of amendments to the FIBA General Statutes were also approved by the Congress.
Delegates were then able to find out more about the new services that are currently available for National Federations in the afternoon session and were introduced to several major initiatives, including the official launch of the FIBA Academy, FIBA's digital transformation, the expansion of eFIBA, and the introduction of AI-powered solutions for digital and media asset management.
Attendees are now looking forward to a series of breakout sessions covering various topics such as FIBA's strategic priority Women in Basketball, the FIBA Plus program, young players and the NCAA, 3x3, and Olympic Solidarity.
There will also be an opportunity to see the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 ceremony at the Bahrain National Theatre, when seven players and one coach will be inducted in recognition of their accomplishments in the sport.
These are Alphonse Bile (Côte d'Ivoire), Andrew Bogut (Australia), Leonor Borrell (Cuba), Pau Gasol (Spain), Ticha Penicheiro (Portugal), Ratko Radovanovic (Serbia), Dawn Staley (USA) and Mike Krzyzewski (USA).
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