Serbia continue 100-year basketball anniversary celebrations with special ceremony

BELGRADE (Serbia) - A special ceremony was held in Belgrade in the continued celebrations of 100 years of basketball in Serbia.

2023 has marked the centenary of the sport played in the country with various activities taking place throughout the year in recognition of the anniversary.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Europe Vice President and FIBA Central Board member Matej Erjavec and FIBA Executive Director Europe Kamil Novak were among the many esteemed guests in attendance including Predrag Danilovic, President of the Basketball Federation of Serbia at the 'Longer than a century, more than a game' event.

"As you celebrate 100 years of long and proud tradition, the world basketball community presents its respect and admiration to you, the living history of Serbian basketball," commented Mr. Zagklis, during his address at the ceremony.

"This is a team sport and there needs to be a leader who finds roles, and chemistry for all this talent. And, the Serbian school of basketball took care of that as well, which is something I personally admire.

"Your brilliant coaches share with each other. You do not hesitate to trust the young players, to experiment in order to progress, to make something new. This is done best in one specific environment, the environment which combines the basketball skill with the national pride: the national team of Serbia."

Mr. Novak added: "Over the past century, Serbia has embraced the game of basketball like few others have. The journey from humble beginnings in 1923 to today's status as a global powerhouse is a testament to the dedication that the Serbian people have poured into our beautiful game.

"When you think of basketball in Europe, you inevitably think of the many iconic players that have represented Serbia and inspired generation after generation to fall in love with the sport we all hold dear."

The ceremony also featured an artistic presentation reflecting on the sport's development in the country with special recognition for some of the greats of the game that have paved the way over the years.

Serbia released a commemorative jersey reflecting the 100-year anniversary earlier this year and also recently unveiled a new court at a school in Old Town, Belgrade in honor of the sport's origins in the country.

In September, the senior men's national team finished as runners-up at the FIBA Basketball World Cup for a second time when they were beaten by Germany in the Final of the 2023 edition in Manila, Philippines.

FIBA