Doha – 8 December 2025:
On Monday, 8 December 2025, the activities of the international FIBA Leaders Programme officially commenced at the headquarters of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), under the supervision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). The event saw the participation of a distinguished group of local and international sports leaders.
This groundbreaking programme is the first of its kind worldwide, with Qatar proudly hosting its inaugural edition. It represents a significant milestone in the lead-up to the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which Qatar will host for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The programme is sponsored by Lesha Bank as part of a strategic partnership agreement signed with the Qatar Basketball Federation to support training and leadership initiatives in basketball.
The programme aims to develop leadership and management skills in the field of basketball, enhance the exchange of expertise among sports leaders, and contribute to raising institutional and developmental performance standards for the sport at both local and international levels.
The opening ceremony was led by Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation, who delivered a welcoming address to the participants. He outlined the programme’s objectives and training themes before the start of introductory sessions and intensive workshops, which will continue over four days.
The workshops focus on refining participants’ leadership and administrative skills while providing interactive opportunities for experience-sharing among leaders from around the world, thereby strengthening international sports cooperation and reflecting the programme’s global character.
The event was attended by Mr. Talal Al-Mughaiseeb, Senior Director of the FIBA World Cup Qatar 2027, members of the Qatar Basketball Federation’s Board of Directors, as well as presidents and secretaries-general of international basketball federations, undersc01ing Qatar’s distinguished status in hosting and managing major sporting events.
As part of the programme, the FIBA Academy Tournament will be organised with the participation of approximately 25 representatives from various countries worldwide, highlighting the event’s international scope and showcasing Qatar’s pioneering role in developing basketball at regional and global levels.
The launch of this programme reflects Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its sports infrastructure and developing leadership talent in basketball in preparation for hosting the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. It aligns with a comprehensive vision for advancing sport in the region and elevating the level of interaction and collaboration among sports leaders globally.