In a historic moment at the 2023 FIBA World Cup closing ceremony held in Manila, Philippines, the State of Qatar officially received the ball for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, marking the commencement of preparations for the prestigious basketball event set to take place in Doha, Qatar.
The handover ceremony witnessed the Chairman of the 2023 World Cup Organizing Committee in the Philippines, Manuel Pangilinan, presenting the ball to Hamane Niang, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Subsequently, Niang entrusted the ball to Mohammed Al-Maghiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, and Sheikha Asma Al Thani, Director of Marketing and Communication at the Qatar Olympic Committee.
An elated Al-Maghiseeb shared his enthusiasm about this monumental milestone stating, “We are delighted to receive the Basketball World Cup ball and are eager to leverage this opportunity to organize an extraordinary edition attracting a new wave of followers and fans.” He further acknowledged the remarkable organization of the Philippines and emphasized Qatar’s aspiration to build upon this rich legacy.
During a meeting in Manila earlier this year, FIBA disclosed that Qatar had successfully secured the bid to host the 2027 World Cup, a first for the Middle East and North Africa region. The selection underscored Qatar’s impressive facilities, a determined agenda to foster sports development, and a proven history of hosting grand sports events, including the forthcoming FIFA World Cup 2022.
The forthcoming tournament in 2027 pledges to be the most sustainable edition to date, bolstered by state-of-the-art sports facilities ready to welcome 32 teams from around the world. Qatar’s bid places a notable emphasis on lasting legacy plans, striving to enhance the global and regional development of basketball.
As Qatar embarks on this exciting journey, the nation is positioned to host the third consecutive FIBA World Cup in Asia, following China in 2019 and the recently concluded 2023 edition co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.