Doha: In a momentous occasion, the State of Qatar officially received the official ball for the 2027 FIBA World Cup during a special ceremony held on the sidelines of the 2023 FIBA World Cup closing ceremony in the Philippine capital, Manila.
Manuel Pangilinan, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 2023 World Cup in the Philippines, presented the coveted ball to Haman Niang, President of the International Basketball Federation. Niang, in a symbolic gesture, then entrusted it to Mohamed Al Maghaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, and Sheikha Asma Al Thani, Director of the Marketing and Communication Department at the Qatar Olympic Committee.
Mohammed Al-Mughisib expressed his delight on this significant occasion, stating, "We are thrilled to officially receive the Basketball World Cup ball and to have witnessed the exceptional organization of the Philippines. Hosting such a prestigious sporting event in one of the world's most beloved sports marks another milestone in our sporting journey. We are determined to leverage this opportunity to organize an extraordinary edition that will captivate a new generation of basketball enthusiasts."
The International Basketball Federation announced Qatar as the host for the 2027 World Cup during a meeting held on April 28 in Manila, Philippines. The decision was made by the Central Council of the International Federation after a thorough evaluation of bids submitted by candidate countries. Qatar emerged as the standout choice to host the 2027 tournament, marking the first time it will be held in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The selection of Qatar was attributed to the country's outstanding sports facilities, its strong commitment to sports development, and its proven track record in successfully hosting major sporting events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Qatar's bid also emphasized the significance of legacy plans, emphasizing the tournament's role in advancing basketball in the region and around the globe. With state-of-the-art sports facilities ready to host the 2027 Basketball World Cup, this edition promises to be the most sustainable in its history.
Following the 2019 edition held in China, Qatar will host the third consecutive World Cup in Asia, while the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia are currently hosting the 2023 edition. With 32 teams set to participate in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Doha, fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the tournament and enjoy an increased number of matches.
