By Nawaz Gohar ;  In what is being hailed as a massive shot in the arm for domestic sports, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Regional Office-Asia has officially pledged its full weight behind Pakistan, charting a comprehensive roadmap to revive and revolutionize basketball across the country.

The strategic commitment follows a high-profile, multi-city visit by a top-tier FIBA delegation to Islamabad and Lahore. The mission was aimed at breaking Pakistan’s prolonged international stagnation and integrating the country back into the mainstream Asian basketball ecosystem.

Led by FIBA Regional Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian, the delegation engaged in intense, high-level deliberations with the country’s top sports custodians. Key meetings were held with:

Mohyuddin Wani, Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) leadership.

The Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) top brass, including President Brig (R) Muhammad Iftikhar Mansoor, Secretary General Khalid Bashir, Senior Vice President Imtiaz Rafi Butt, and Associate Secretary General Ouj E Zahoor.

The discussions focused on dismantling structural bottlenecks, upgrading grassroots infrastructure, and creating sustainable pathways for Pakistani athletes to compete on the international stage.

Speaking exclusively on the vision behind the visit, Hagop Khajirian emphasized that empowering national federations is not just a policy, but a core strategic pillar for FIBA.

“Pakistan holds immense potential and occupies a position of significant importance within the Asian basketball landscape. We are fully committed to providing the technical expertise, resources, and cooperation necessary for the sport’s long-term development here,” Khajirian stated.

Terming the dialogue with Pakistani stakeholders “highly productive and encouraging,” Khajirian revealed that several game-changing proposals were reviewed to elevate the standard of the game. He lauded the proactive enthusiasm shown by government and sports officials, expressing firm confidence that this visit marks the definitive beginning of a vibrant new era for Pakistani hoops.

For years, Pakistan’s basketball potential has remained largely untapped due to structural challenges. However, this newly forged synergy between FIBA Asia, the PBBF, and the government signals a major shift.

Moving forward, FIBA will work hand-in-hand with national sports authorities to implement robust grassroots programs, referee and coaching clinics, and structured domestic leagues. With the world governing body now actively driving the narrative, Pakistan’s basketball court is finally set for a historic turnaround.

By Nawaz Gohar ;  In a major breakthrough for local sports, the Rawalpindi Basketball Association has successfully organized the “Twin City Basketball Tournament” at the DHA Basketball Court, ending a nearly 20-year hiatus in the region’s basketball activities.

The highlight of the event was the grand return of Rawalpindi’s historic Falcons Club, which secured a spot in the semifinals after a dominant display. In the opening match,

the Falcons clinical performance led to a 74-26 victory over the Hardy Hawks, with standout performances from Lala Azhar, Hammad, Zeeshan, and Hamza. They continued their winning streak on the second day, defeating the Strikers 81-14.

Despite the short notice for preparation, the tournament saw immense enthusiasm from players and fans alike. The event was supervised by Auj Zahoor, Associate Secretary of the Pakistan Basketball Federation, alongside Tournament Director Yasir Butt and veteran coach Riaz Malik.

Falcons Club Manager Yousaf Afridi and Coach Shahid-ul-Haq expressed pride in the team’s legacy. Mr. Afridi also met with the newly elected Secretary of the Rawalpindi Basketball Association, Colonel Mohsin, to discuss the challenges faced by players and pledged the club’s full support to promote the sport in the region.

By Nawaz Gohar ;  The SSWMB Karachi basketball team delivered a commanding performance to lift the Berger Paints Trophy at the conclusion of the Commissioner Sukkur Triangular Basketball Series.

The tournament, organized under the auspices of the Sindh and Sukkur Basketball Associations, culminated at the IBA Physical College, Sukkur, where the atmosphere was electric as the final results were declared.

Commissioner Sukkur, Abid Saleem Qureshi, graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest and distributed awards among the triumphant athletes. The event was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including Director of Sports for the Commissioner Karachi, Ghulam Muhammad Khan;

Patron of the Sindh Basketball Association (SBBA), Zulfiqar Ali Dhot; Abdul Samad Shaikh; Urooj Khan; Alisha Bajwa; Secretary of the Sukkur Basketball Association (SBA), Amir Sharif; as well as Arshad Saeed, Sohaib Ahmed, and other prominent figures from the sports fraternity.

In his address, Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi lauded the SBA for successfully hosting such a historic series. Demonstrating his commitment to the growth of regional sports, he announced that a “Basketball Girls & Boys Festival” will be held at the Ghotki Sports Complex on Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Furthermore, he committed to the immediate renovation of the IBA College Hall and the completion of the remaining works at the SSB Basketball Court, while also commending Ghulam Muhammad Khan for his tireless efforts in promoting basketball and other sports in the region.

The final match of the series saw SSWMB Karachi dominate the court, defeating Sukkur White with a score of 40-32. For the winners, Muhammad Zaid and Hassan Ali led the charge with 12 points each, supported by Hadis Shahid with 8 points and Zain-ul-Abideen with 7 points.

For the runner-up side, Sukkur White, Shahzeb contributed 10 points, while Salman Khan and Huzaifa Khan added 8 points each. Earlier in the tournament, the fifth league match witnessed Larkana defeat Sukkur Blues with a score of 18-15.

The technical proceedings of the matches were expertly managed by officials Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Ashraf, Naeem Ahmed, Sohail Abbas, Dilawar Abbas Khan, and Raj Kumar Lakhwani.

The concluding ceremony celebrated the top three teams, with Karachi claiming the title, Larkana securing the second position, and Sukkur White finishing third. In recognition of their exceptional contributions to sports, Zulfiqar Ali Dhot, Arshad Saeed, and Sohaib Ahmed were honored with the “Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Gold Medal for Performance.”

Following the award distribution, Director of Sports Ghulam Muhammad Khan addressed the gathering, expressing his sincere gratitude to the Commissioner of Sukkur.

He also extended special thanks to the tournament sponsors, Berger Paints, and key officials including the Managing Director of SSWMB, Tariq Ali Nizamani; DIG Traffic Karachi, Syed Peer Muhammad Shah; and PS to the Commissioner of Sukkur, Ghulam Nabi Chandio, for their invaluable support in making the event a success.

ISLAMABAD: WAPDA emerged as the champions in the women’s and departmental categories of the Pak–China Friendship Cup 3×3 Basketball Championship held at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.

The championship, held to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, was organized by the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

In the women’s final, WAPDA Black edged past Garrisons Team 17–14 in a closely contested match. WAPDA Black, who had earlier reached the final with a narrow one-point victory over Army Red in the semifinal, displayed impressive teamwork. Rubaila and Sana scored 7 and 6 points respectively for the winners, while Farheen contributed 6 points for Garrisons Team.

In the departmental category, WAPDA Green defeated Army Red 21–14 to retain the title. Zain Khan emerged as the hero of the final, scoring 11 points single-handedly for the champions. In the club category final, YMCA defeated Friends Club 20–17 in an exciting contest to clinch the title.

Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Yasir Pirzada, along with President Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) Brigadier (Retd) Muhammad Iftikhar Mansoor, PBBF Senior Vice President Imtiaz Rafi Butt, Prof Sirageul Haq Qureshi, M Riaz Malik, Nasrullah Rana Director NF, Waqar Ahmed, AD NF, PSB, President Federal Basketball Association Ejaz Rafi Butt, FBBA Secretary Ouj-e-Zahoor and Muhammad Azam Dar, representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan, among others, witnessed the finals.

A Chinese club team also attended the closing ceremony of the championship. A total of 28 women’s teams, 13 departmental teams and 48 club teams participated in the four-day event. Winner was awarded Cash amount of Rs.50,000 and Runners up Rs.25,000 along with Trophies and shields.

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Raptors defeated the Chinese Club in a thrilling encounter, winning 19-16 in an exhibition match held at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.

The exhibition match was organized during the ongoing Pak-China Friendship Cup 3×3 Basketball Championship to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

The championship is being held under the auspices of the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

In an exciting contest, the Islamabad Raptors displayed impressive teamwork and determination to overcome the Chinese Club and secure a 19-16 victory. Mavia scored 6 points for the winning side, while Wang Chenghu contributed 5 points for the Chinese Club.

The match was witnessed by officials from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan, Imtiaz Rafi Butt (Senior Vice President, Pakistan Basketball Federation), Ouj-e-Zahoor (Secretary, Federal Basketball Association), Nasarullah Rana (Director, Pakistan Sports Board), Prof. Siragul Haq Qureshi (Secretary, Pakistan Basketball Referees Board), Malik Riaz (National Basketball Coach) and Muhammad Azam Dar, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Liu Yonggang, CEO of China Three Gorges South Asia Investment (CSAIL), said the ongoing Pak-China Friendship Cup Basketball Championship is not only showcasing exciting competition on the court but also highlighting the true spirit of sportsmanship and the strong friendship between Pakistan and China.

Meanwhile, the semifinal lineup in the women’s category was completed after the quarterfinal round. WAPDA Black defeated Lycans B 21-9, Army Red outclassed Army White 28-22, LCWU Eagles Club edged Royal Club 25-24 in a close contest, while Garrisonians beat Lycans C 21-11 to book their places in the semifinals.

ISLAMABAD: Teams from Pakistan Army Whites, Army Reds and WAPDA Blues advanced to the quarterfinal round in the women’s category of the ongoing Pak-China Friendship Cup 3×3 Basketball Championship 2026 at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.

The four-day event is being organized by the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) with the support of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

In the women’s category matches, Army Whites defeated WAPDA Blues 21-12, while Army Reds secured a convincing 14-6 victory over Islamabad Bulls. WAPDA Black also registered an impressive win, defeating DHA Rebels 18-11. In another match, WAPDA Blues outclassed Fast Phoenix 15-4. Lycans C dominated Thunders C with an 18-5 victory, while Lycans B edged past Thunders B 8-4.

In the departmental category, PAF defeated WAPDA Red 21-15, while Army Red beat Police 21-13. WAPDA Green also recorded a comfortable 22-10 win against POF B.

In the first round of club category fixtures, Pelicans defeated YMCA 21-12, while Raptors Black completely dominated Islamabad Wolves with an 18-1 victory. Paces beat Ravens A 21-8, while Raptors Red overcame Hunter C 21-13. Lycans A registered a narrow 14-13 win over Cosmic Saxon, while Air Ballers edged Islamabad Stallions 10-8 in a closely contested encounter.

Navy Register Victories in Pak-China Friendship Cup Basketball Championship

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Whites, WAPDA Green, Navy and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) secured impressive victories in the departmental category of the Pak-China Friendship Cup All Pakistan 3×3 Basketball Championship at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.

The exciting matches of the championship, being held to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, are being organized by the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

In the departmental contests, Army Whites defeated WAPDA Red 21-13, while Navy A outclassed the Police team with a convincing 21-5 victory. WAPDA Green edged past Army Green 20-17 in a closely contested match, whereas Pakistan Air Force beat Police Whites 22-6.

In the women’s category, Army Red defeated Team Alpha 15-2, while WAPDA B overcame Dolphins 19-2. NUST registered a 17-1 win against Islamabad Titans, Islamabad Bulls defeated Alpha-B 14-6, and Lycans beat Wah Spring 11-2.

On the opening day of the four-day championship, Deputy Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board Syed Naveed-ur-Rehman, Director National Federations Nasrullah Rana, Secretary General of Islamabad Olympic Association (IOA) Rizwan-ul-Haq Razi, Secretary General of the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) Ouj Zahoor, Azam Dar and other notable personalities witnessed the matches.

Teams from across the country are participating in the four-day championship in three categories: Departmental, Women’s and Club category.

ISLAMABAD: The Pak-China Friendship Cup All Pakistan 3×3 Basketball Championship will commence from today (Thursday) at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, in celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

According to Ouj-e-Zahoor, Secretary of the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA), the event is being organized to reflect the deep-rooted and time-tested friendship between the two nations.

“The championship is being held under the auspices of the Federal Basketball Association, in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), and under the supervision of the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF),” he said. He added that the event will feature competitions in three major categories — Women’s, Club, and Departmental — with significant participation from across the country.

He said that in the Women’s Category, 28 teams will compete, including strong departmental sides such as Pakistan Army and WAPDA. The Club Category will witness participation from 48 teams representing Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and other cities, highlighting the growing popularity of the 3×3 format nationwide.

In the Departmental Category, 13 teams will take part, including Pakistan Army, WAPDA, Pakistan Police, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Ordnance Factories, and Pakistan Navy.

Ouj-e-Zahoor further said that as part of the celebrations, a special exhibition match between a Chinese team and a local Pakistani club will be held on March 7, symbolizing sports diplomacy and further strengthening bilateral ties through basketball.

Additionally, the Embassy of China in Pakistan will host a cultural ceremony during the championship to celebrate the Chinese New Year — the Year of the Horse — promoting cultural exchange and goodwill. On the direction of DG PSB Yasir Pirzada, the Pakistan Sports Board is extending full support and facilitation to ensure the successful conduct of the championship.

ISLAMABAD: The Pak-China Friendship Cup 3×3 Basketball Championship 2026 will tip off on March 5 at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

According to Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) Secretary Dr. Ouj-e-Zohoor, the four-day event, being organized under the umbrella of the Pakistan Basketball Federation with the support of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), will conclude on March 8 and promises high-level basketball action.

The FIBA-endorsed 3×3 championship has attracted record participation from across the country. A total of 48 teams will compete in the club category, 16 teams in the departmental category, and 26 teams in the women’s category. The large turnout highlights the rapid growth of 3×3 basketball in Pakistan and the continued commitment of the Pakistan Basketball Federation to promoting the sport nationwide.

Ouj-e-Zohoor emphasized that the event reflects the strong and longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and China, noting that sports diplomacy plays a vital role in fostering cooperation, unity, and international goodwill.

As a FIBA-endorsed tournament, the championship will also contribute points toward the FIBA 3×3 international rankings, further strengthening Pakistan’s presence in the global basketball community. The organizing committee has ensured professionally managed arrangements, promising competitive and thrilling basketball action throughout the four-day event.

ISLAMABAD: Faisalabad emerged as champions of the Inter-Unit Basketball Championship 2025, held at Mangla, after displaying outstanding performance throughout the single-league tournament.

The championship featured six teams, Faisalabad, Mangla, Gujranwala, Lahore, NTDC, and Multan, competing for top honours. Faisalabad secured the first position, while the Mangla Hydel team impressed with their skillful play to claim the second spot.

The final ceremony was graced by GM Sports Imdad Memon as chief guest. He was joined by Chief Engineer Mangla Tariq, DG Sports Farooq, Area Power’s Naveed, and Faisalabad Sports Officer, who distributed trophies and prizes among the top-performing teams and players.

In the third-place playoff, Mangla defeated defending champions Gujranwala by 68–52 in an exciting encounter to secure second position in the overall standings. Mangla’s Kaleem Khan was named best player of the championship for his brilliant all-round display and was awarded a cash prize of Rs 10,000 in recognition of his performance.