BEIRUT (FIBA Asia) - The third meeting of the 2014-19 FIBA Asia Central Board concluded on Thursday, setting the road map for the all-round development of National Federations in Asia that includes setting up a structured approach to the implementation of the FIBA New Competition System that will be introduced in November 2017.

The Central Board meeting, which was attended by FIBA President Horacio Muratore and FIBA Secretary General and IOC Member Patrick Baumann, was briefed on the Assessments of all the eligible National Federations in Asia in order to achieve a tailor-made strategic plan for each of the National Federations.

"The diversity that we have among the National Federations in Asia provides us with the opportunity to work on a strategic plan that is specific and unique to each National Federation," said FIBA Asia president Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani.

FIBA Executive Director-Asia Mr. Hagop Khajirian assured that the Regional Office in Asia was primed up and prepared to meet this task.

"It is certainly challenging given the diversity and even the geographical distances involved in Asia. But then it certainly is an opportunity to help develop basketball in different societies leading to a common goal," said Mr. Khajirian.

One of the significant measures to be implemented for the overall development is the re-introduction of the regional and zonal level competitions in FIBA 3x3, leading to the eligibility of all the 44 National Federations in Asia for the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where FIBA 3x3 will make its debut as a medal sport.

A detailed presentation was made to the FIBA Asia Central Board.

A detailed study was made of the FIBA events in Asia for 2017 including the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, a key step in teams' qualifying for Division A in the New Competition System. The 2017 Women's Championship, the two FIBA Asia U16 Championships for Men along with the FIBA Asia Champions Cup for clubs are the others events in store for 2017.

FIBA