FIBA delegation meets General Administration of Sport of China and Chinese Basketball Association

MIES (Switzerland) - A FIBA delegation has concluded a highly successful visit to China to discuss a range of topics with the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

A number of purposeful discussions took place and pivoted on the fostering of an even more impactful strategic co-operation moving forward.

This has paved the way for the strengthening of existing relationships and securing closer collaborations in the future, something which will assist in the continued development of basketball in China and in taking it to new heights.

In the presence of Chinese Sports Minister Gao Zhidan, it was FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis who emphasized FIBA's strategic pillars and reiterated the ever-present commitment to helping grow the sport in China.

A range of areas were also identified in the meetings as potential priorities for future strategic direction in the country, including youth basketball, women's basketball and inter-regional club competitions. Through the FIBA China office situated in Beijing, one of the major legacy projects of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, FIBA plans to grow its contribution towards the development of basketball in China.

There was also praise for a hugely successful FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024, which took place in Xi'An during the Chinese New Year this February.

FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Xi'An, China

The success of this event has led to other events being hosted in China moving forward, which also aligns with the goals of the General Administration of Sport of China and the CBA. These include the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Shenzhen next year and various 3x3 tournaments. 

Meanwhile, there was excitement at a special unveiling of the Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame Honor Wall. The FIBA delegation enjoyed watching a short movie showing highlights from over a century of basketball development in China, with Zagklis jointly conducting the ceremony alongside CBA President Yao Ming.

CBA President Yao Ming and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis

He also presented Zagklis with a commemorative badge from the Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame, thanking FIBA for its long-term support of Chinese basketball and expressing hope for further international cooperation to promote the sport.

"This ceremony was very special," said Zagklis. "It not only honors the inductees but also inspires the next generation of players to learn from their predecessors."

The FIBA delegation also included FIBA Treasurer Ingo Weiss and Central Board Member and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Coordination Commission Chairman Burton Shipley, along with other members from both FIBA HQ and FIBA China, including FIBA COO Patrick Mariller, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services Frank Leenders, and FIBA China General Manager Kelvin Fang. 

FIBA