Manila, August 23 (QNA) - The XXII International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Congress has unanimously elected Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani as the new president for the upcoming 2023-2027 cycle, succeeding Hamane Niang.

The election was held on the sidelines of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10.
Al-Thani said upon his election that it is a great honor to take over this responsibility, for himself, his country Qatar and Asia.

Basketball is a global sport and this is "our most important strength", Al-Thani added.

He promised to work hard with the leaders of FIBA and the entire Central Board for the good of basketball.

Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani has been FIBA Vice President for the previous cycle, which began in 2019, and President of FIBA Asia since 2002, having formerly been President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and a Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

Qatar will host the next edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027. Making it the first country to host the event in the Middle East and North Africa region. (QNA)