Qatar Basketball Federation Participates in FIBA Congress in Bahrain

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May 16, 2025
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16-May-2025

Qatar Basketball Federation Participates in FIBA Congress in Bahrain

Doha: The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) took part in the main session of the FIBA Congress, which opened on Friday, May 26, 2025, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Center. 

The congress brought together representatives from 180 national basketball federations, emphasizing the global nature of the event and the shared commitment to advancing the sport worldwide. Leading the Qatari delegation was Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director General of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee. 

He was accompanied by Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of QBF, and Mr. Fahad Juma, Director of Strategic Planning at the LOC. The congress began with an address from His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), who underlined the importance of the congress as a strategic platform for shaping basketball’s global future. He praised Bahrain’s exceptional organization of the event and called for unified efforts to elevate the game to new heights. 

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the sport globally, outlining strategic plans to empower national federations and expand basketball’s reach across all continents. The program featured a visual presentation showcasing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s history and its emergence as a premier destination for international sporting events. 

Recorded messages from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry were also presented. Both commended FIBA for its ongoing support of the Olympic movement and emphasized the importance of partnerships in the growth of global sport. 

Speaking during the event, Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb stated: “We are proud to be part of this important global gathering, which serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and strengthening cooperation among national basketball federations. Bahrain’s successful hosting of this congress affirms its prominent role in the international sports arena and reflects the region’s growing leadership in global basketball. This participation also reinforces Qatar’s readiness to host an exceptional edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027.” 

He further noted the positive reception by participating delegations regarding Qatar’s recent organization of the World Cup Qualifiers Draw, held at Al Hazm Mall in Doha, describing it as a key milestone in Qatar’s journey toward 2027. During its session, the FIBA Central Board reviewed preparations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, to be hosted in Germany, and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar. 

The Council also approved the timelines for bidding processes for future tournaments. The bidding for the 2030 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is set to launch in Q3 2025, with hosting rights possibly awarded by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the bidding for the 2031 FIBA Basketball World Cup is expected to begin in Q4 2025, with the potential for a decision in 2026. This international gathering in Bahrain marks another step forward in global cooperation and strategic alignment across basketball’s governing bodies — as preparations intensify for a new era of growth and inclusion in the sport.