MANILA (Philippines) – The XXII FIBA Congress, which brought together delegates from 157 National Federations over the past two days, concluded in Manila on the eve of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The Congress was opened by welcome speeches from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, Mr. Richard E. Bachmann, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission and HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, IOC Executive Board Member, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee and Founding Chairman of the FIBA Safeguarding Council.
The Congress unanimously voted on a new President, Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, Treasurer, Ingo Weiss, and Central Board members and named Hamane Niang as FIBA Honorary President. The Ethics Panel and Nominations Panel were also appointed. A special ceremony was held to honor the efforts and achievements of National Federations and Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan was awarded with a FIBA Order of Merit.
Following the address of the President, the Congress heard a report from FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis on FIBA’s activities over the past two years, as well as the updated strategy for the new cycle of 2023-2027, approved by the Central Board. Strategic priorities of Empower National Federations, Women in Basketball and Shape International Club Competitions will now be FIBA’s main focus for the next four years.
Congress also received a report from FIBA Treasurer Ingo Weiss as well reports from the organizations officially recognized by FIBA: FIBA Foundation, World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC), International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) and the Deaf International Basketball Federation (DIBF).
The second day of the Congress included Breakout Sessions for the delegates that included sessions on two of FIBA’s strategic priorities – Women in Basketball and Empower National Federations, as well as other topics including innovation presented by FIBA’s Equipment & Venue Centre, eFIBA, as well as Safeguarding and Integrity.
Additionally, FIBA’s Hall of Fame Ceremony for 2023 took place on the evening of August 23, where 12 recognized world-class basketball personalities were inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame at a special ceremony.
The XXII FIBA Congress activities will conclude with the National Federation delegates attending the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 tip-off on Friday, August 25, at the Philippine Arena and the Opening Ceremony.
