IOC President Thomas Bach graces FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Final

BEIJING (China) - Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, graced the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Final between Argentina and Spain at the Beijing Wukesong Arena.

Arriving Sunday afternoon in Beijing, Mr. Bach, along with the rest of the IOC delegation, was welcomed by FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis.

Together with Lincoln Zhang, President of FIBA partner Wanda Corporation, they discussed a corporate social responsibility initiative called the "Little Champions" program, which aims to focus on FIBA's thrust of 'giving kids a chance to play basketball.'

After a tour of the Beijing Wukesong Arena, Mr. Bach was introduced to Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China Gou Zhongwen, Honorary FIBA President and new IBF President Horacio Muratore, new FIBA President Hamane Niang and re-elected FIBA Treasurer Ingo Weiss.

The IOC delegation witnessed the World Cup Final won by Spain over Argentina, and they participated in the medal and trophy ceremony after the title game.

"Congratulations to Spain, worthy world champions, at the end of a great tournament that brought basketball to a new level, in China and around the world, matched by the great atmosphere in the stadium," said Mr. Bach. "The stadium is a great example of Olympic legacy, hosting basketball during the Olympic Games Beijing 2008 and many competitions since including this World Cup - it will also host ice hockey at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022."

The upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics will feature two basketball disciplines, with 3x3 Basketball added to the Olympic program for the first time, marking a quantum leap for the development of the game and presenting an array of opportunities for new countries and players alike.

FIBA