AFZAL JAVED
ISLAMABAD, MAY 17 /DNA/ – The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Regional Office-Asia has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of basketball in Pakistan following a high-level visit by its delegation to Lahore and Islamabad, where key meetings were held with top government and sports officials.
The delegation, led by Hagop Khajirian, met with Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Mohyuddin Wani, officials of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), and representatives of the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) including President Brig (R ) Muhammad Iftikhar Mansoor, Secretary General Khalid Bashir, SVP Imtiaz Rafi Butt and Associate Secretary General Ouj E Zahoor.
During the meetings, both sides discussed comprehensive measures aimed at strengthening basketball structures in Pakistan and bringing the country back onto the international basketball map.
Speaking on the occasion, Hagop Khajirian said empowering national federations remains one of FIBA’s key strategic pillars, adding that Pakistan holds significant importance as a national federation in the Asian region. He assured full cooperation from FIBA for the promotion and long-term development of basketball in Pakistan.
Khajirian termed the discussions with Pakistan’s sports stakeholders “highly productive and encouraging,” stating that several important proposals were reviewed to elevate the standard of basketball in the country. He also praised the positive response shown by all stakeholders and expressed confidence that the recent meetings would mark a strong beginning for a new era of basketball development in Pakistan.
FIBA Regional Office-Asia also reiterated its continued support for the growth and promotion of basketball across Pakistan in collaboration with national sports authorities and the Pakistan Basketball Federation.
