Three co-host nations start World Cup with Opening Ceremonies

MANILA (Philippines) - The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is officially under way with the opening ceremonies having taken place in all three of the host nations and the games having tipped off.

One of Philippines' favorite, performer Sara G

The Philippine Arena in Manila, Okinawa Arena in Okinawa and Jakarta’s Indonesia Arena hosted the festivities, which included musical and cultural performances as well as speeches by leading dignitaries.

The dragon of Okinawa

Sarah G, Ben & Ben and The Dawn were featured as the main acts at Philippine Arena while the ceremonies at the Okinawa Arena and Indonesia Arena were highlighted by cultural performances.

In Jakarta, Indonesia President Joko Widodo personally welcome the fans and the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. FIBA Secretery General Andreas Zagklis was also present in Indonesia.

Opening ceremony in Jakarta

At Philippine Arena, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and FIBA President Hamane Nang were in attendance to witness this historical night highlighted by a new World Cup attendance record with 38,115 fans.

The Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida did a ceremonial opening tipoff toss before Japan's opener against Germany in Okinawa.

FIBA