THE Penang FIBA 3×3 Challenger, a prestigious international competition, returned to the state for the fifth time, now with 16 teams from different countries competing to earn a spot in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour in Paris.
Countries here to compete include France, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Qatar, United States, Serbia, Switzerland, and Malaysia.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highly praised the sport for the excitement and thrilling experience it gives the people, and he said the return of the tournament represents a new and promising start for everyone.
“Since its official launch as the second basketball discipline in 2010, this three-on-three sport has been rapidly gaining popularity and it is now an official sport in both, the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
It made its first appearance in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“After a few challenging years, we are grateful for the opportunity to host this incredible event and bring some joy into our lives.
“It is worth mentioning that this is the fifth time Penang is organising such an exciting event, with its first one held in 2016.
“This indeed demonstrates Penang’s capability and competency in organising world-class events.
“To newcomers, locals and those returning, embrace this opportunity and experience our culture and community throughout this weekend.
“The state wishes everyone who are involved in this event, especially the participants, the very best and thank you for choosing Penang as your preferred destination,” Chow said in his speech before officiating the tournament at Queensbay Mall in Bayan Lepas today.
He also mentioned that such sporting event was crucial and very much in line with the state’s LovePENANG initiative, which aimed at inspiring unity and goodwill among the people of Penang.
“It also correlates with one of the strategic initiatives under our Penang2030 vision, which is focused on empowering people to strengthen civic participation,” Chow added.
The champion and first runner-up of the tournament will be unveiled tomorrow.
Meanwhile, winners of the grassroots tournaments for Boys U16, U19, and U23 and Girls U16 were announced earlier.
Also present during the event were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, Penang Basketball Association president Datuk Ooi Khoon Yeong and World Hoops managing director Grace Khor.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting