Asia Regional Office prepared for upcoming major events following conclusion of Qualifiers
27/02/2019
Asia
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FIBA Asia Board reflects on activities, prepares for major events coming to the region

BEIRUT (Lebanon) - FIBA Asia's Board met on February 24-25 at the Hilton Metropolitan Hotel in Beirut, Lebanon.

 The two-day event, which was attended by FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, served to provide updates on the region's activities over the last two years.

"I'm very pleased to have attended my first FIBA Asia central board meeting," said Zagklis. "All eyes will be on Asia with two consecutive Basketball World Cups (2019 and 2023) and the Olympic Basketball Tournaments (2020). This is a great opportunity for us to develop our sport in the continent."


The activity report also highlighted the work carried out by the Regional Office in making sure the FIBA Basketball Cup 2019 Asian Qualifier games were delivered according to clearly set-out standards.

Asia had a very exciting conclusion to the Qualifiers with four tickets to China 2019 decided on Sunday, the final day of the last window.  

The board also discussed the possibility of introducing a new format for the FIBA Asia youth level competitions for men in the future.

"We are aiming to increase the level of our Men's youth competitions in the coming years" said FIBA Executive Director - Asia Hagop Khajirian.

The board received a report on the leagues in Asia and the developments with regards to the FIBA Asia Champions Cup and its qualifiers. The members also agreed on the importance of establishing closer relationships with the clubs in Asia.

 "The FIBA Asia Champions Cup should be the main club competition in Asia," Zagklis said.

 "We have decided to increase our investments in club competitions because they play a major role in developing the players of the national teams.

 "A better synergy is needed between FIBA, its National Federations and the clubs."

 The board also discussed at length the FIBA Women's National Team Competition System that comes into effect in November. The members emphasized the system's crucial importance in the development of basketball in the region. 

 "The FIBA Women's National Team Competition System will bring great exposure to women's basketball," said Zagklis. 

 "This system will continue developing the National Federations through the women's game," Khajirian added. "It will also allow teams and players in Asia to play regular official games which will increase the inclusion and competitiveness of women's basketball."

 The Board also received a detailed presentation on the strategic plans of the different departments (Competitions, National Federations & Development and Communications) in the Regional Office for the 2019-2023 term of office.

FIBA