ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - A senior delegation led by FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani have met with the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, during which they discussed the development of basketball in the country and increasing opportunities for young people to engage with the sport.
FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, who was joined by FIBA 3x3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez, also met with the President of the Mongolian Basketball Association Battsengel Gotov and Head of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025 Local Organising Committee, Myagmarjav Luvsandash, during what proved to be a highly productive meeting.
Reflecting on the incredible growth and popularity of 3x3 basketball in Mongolia, the President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsük said: “In our youth we hung hoops from electric posts, now we host a 3x3 World Cup; we are very pleased with the progress.”
During the meeting, held on the sidelines of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025 which concluded on June 29, FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani praised Mongolia for its passion and dedication to 3x3 basketball. This dedication has seen the country become a hub for the world’s most thrilling urban team sport.
Since hosting the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2017, where the country’s men’s team claimed Mongolia’s first-ever gold medal in any form of basketball, Mongolia has firmly established itself as a successful host for major 3x3 basketball events. These include the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2019, the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Final 2023, the FIBA 3x3 Nations League Final 2023, the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2024, regular stops of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Ulaanbaatar Masters, and notably, the recent FIBA 3x3 World Cup in 2025.
The FIBA delegation outlined how FIBA is committed to helping Mongolia continue to strengthen basketball at both the grassroots and elite levels. The goal is to ensure the next generation of athletes have access to the programs and tools to compete on the global stage.