SOME of the best 3×3 basketball players in the world will be taking part in the Penang FIBA 3×3 Challenger, set to take place at the main atrium of Queensbay Mall on June 1 and 2.
Sixteen teams will compete for honours in the tournament, with prize money totalling US$50,000 for the top five teams: US$20,000 for the champion, US$12,000 for the runner-up, US$8,000 for the third-place team, US$6,000 for the fourth-place team and US$4,000 for the fifth-place team.
Alex Sanchez, the managing director of 3×3 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) based in House of Basketball in Switzerland, said at least eight of the top 20 teams in the world are coming to the Penang Challenger as part of their preparation for the Olympic Games in Paris beginning in July.
“In a way, Penang spectators will get a taste of Olympic action as some of the world’s best players competing in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games will grace the courts here.
“3×3 basketball enjoys a huge following on FIBA’s social media platforms. The beauty of this game is that it can be played anywhere, from the streets to the grand stage of the Olympic Games.
“The Penang Challenger will further boost the state sports tourism industry,” said Sanchez.
The 58-year-old Spaniard had earlier paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
This year marks the seventh Penang FIBA 3×3 Challenger, along with the Grassroots & Corporate Tournament and Basketball Clinic, which will be held at the main atrium of Queensbay Mall. The basketball clinic is scheduled for May 28, the Grassroots Tournament will run from May 28 to 30 and the Corporate Tournament will take place on May 29 and 30.
Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, who attended the press conference for Penang FIBA 3×3 Challenger, said the tournament is an opportunity for the state to showcase Penang’s beauty and hospitality to a global audience.
“This event, now in its seventh year, is a celebration of basketball excellence and community engagement. It is a platform that brings athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level, showcasing their skills and talents.
“Previous editions have drawn thousands of locals and reached over 1.5 million people online across Europe, North America, and Asia,” Gooi said.
He expressed his enthusiasm for the Grassroots & Corporate Tournament and Basketball Clinic, highlighting their role in engaging the local community, especially the youth.
Since 2016, World Hoops has been organising the Penang FIBA 3×3 Challenger, Grassroots & Corporate Tournament, and Basketball Clinic.
World Hoops director Grace Khor said they anticipate 200 participants for the Basketball Clinic, 80 teams for the Grassroots & Corporate Tournament, and 150 for BFL 1 on 1.
“Our mission is to inspire people to learn and grow through the sport of basketball.
“The game offers our youths a platform to hone their skills while fostering important qualities such as character and values,” she said.
Also present were Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai Heng Hua, Penang Basketball Association president Datuk Ooi Khoon Yong, Hunza Group managing director Datuk Khor Siang Gin, World Hoops directors Lim Hun Ping and Poh Chu Tan.
Story by Nur Syakirah Mohd Basri
Pix by Siew Chia En