Mali’s iconic sporting venues renamed after late basketball officials
BAMAKO - Two of the most iconic arenas in the Malian capital of Bamako have been renamed after late basketball officials.
BAMAKO - Two of the most iconic arenas in the Malian capital of Bamako have been renamed after late basketball officials.
The announcement followed a Ministerial Council meeting held on Wednesday.
While Salle de Basket-ball du Stade du 26 Mars is now called Salle Abdallah Mahamane Haidara, the former Hamdallaye ACI 2000 will be known as Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga.
Haidara, who passed away in 2011, had served as President of the Malian Basketball Federation. He was also vice-president of FIBA Africa's Commission of Appeal.
Meanwhile, former Mali international Maiga who, among several positions, held that of President of the Legal Council of FIBA Africa, passed away in December 2014.
The Ministerial Council indicated that the decision to rename the venues was a way to honour personalities who had an outstanding involvement in the development of sport in Mali.
FIBA