Debrecen to host FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2021

DEBRECEN (Hungary) – The last ticket to the 3x3 tournament of the Tokyo Olympics (for both men and women) will be awarded in Debrecen on June 4-6.

Debrecen - the second largest city in Hungary - will continue to build its 3x3 legacy by hosting the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2021. 

Since 2015, Debrecen has played host to a major international FIBA 3x3 event every single year.

The FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament will bring together 6 men’s and 6 women’s teams. They will be competing for the last ticket in each category to the Tokyo Olympics, where 3x3 will make its debut. 

Besides the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament, it was also confirmed that in 2021, Debrecen will host a FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters (August 28-29), the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup (August 24-29) and the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup (August 7-15).

“This beautiful outdoor venue on Kossuth Square in front of the Reformed Great Church has become an iconic and very recognizable backdrop for exciting moments of 3x3 basketball,” FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said in the virtual press conference.

“Last year when the global pandemic hit our world and FIBA had to suspend all its competitions, it was Debrecen who was the first city to host a FIBA competition again. It is a great pleasure to be back and we are certain that with the support of the government, the basketball federation, the municipality, the local organizing committee and the fans, we will be able to enjoy more great 3x3 basketball in Debrecen.”
 

“The Hungarian Government declared sport a strategic sector two years ago,” told Hungary Sports Secretary of State Dr Tünde Szabó. “The country benefits through the health of the young people, and such tournaments give extreme motivation for the upcoming generation. I am convinced, that this year we’ll see a successful event.”

“Our city has been home to 3x3 world events since 2015, “Debrecen Mayor László Papp recalled. “Last year the games enjoyed great popularity in the main square, however the games were also followed by more than 10 million people all over the world. The city was given great publicity, and it was spreading our good reputation. This is a huge opportunity for us, we are most pleased that FIBA appraises our commitment.” 



Hungarian Basketball Federation (MKOSZ) President Ferenc Szalay had more kind words about one of the Meccas of 3x3: “The 2020-21 season was about survival, we strived to hold the games, and to keep the athletes healthy. Debrecen is a world class host, for which all Hungary can be proud of.”

 In 2015, Debrecen offered 3x3 players one of the first chances to play at the highest level. Six years later, it gives them one last chance to make it to the Olympics, one of the biggest events ever organized in the city of Debrecen for the head of the local organizing committee István Becsky:

“It is a great pleasure and honor for us to host such a prominent sport event. I can admit, it is the culmination of work so far. No such significant event has ever been hosted by us. The success of last year’s events gives us high hopes. We look forward to seeing you all later this year.”

 FIBA