FIBA support for Pakistan basketball signals fresh revival push

The FIBA support for Pakistan basketball could mark a significant turning point for a sport that has struggled for international relevance and structural consistency in recent years.

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 meetings were held with senior government officials, Pakistan Olympic Association representatives, and the Pakistan Basketball Federation.

The delegation was led by Hagop Khajirian, who met Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Director General Pakistan Sports Board Mohyuddin Wani, along with officials from the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF).

Representing the PBBF were President Brigadier (R) Muhammad Iftikhar Mansoor, Secretary General Khalid Bashir, Senior Vice President Imtiaz Rafi Butt, and Associate Secretary General Ouj E Zahoor.

During the meetings, both sides discussed a range of proposals aimed at rebuilding basketball structures in Pakistan and helping the country regain its place on the international basketball stage.

Speaking during the visit, Hagop Khajirian said that empowering national federations remains one of FIBA’s major strategic priorities and stressed that Pakistan continues to hold significant importance within the Asian basketball landscape.

He assured full cooperation from FIBA for the promotion and long-term development of basketball in Pakistan.

Khajirian also described the discussions with Pakistan’s sports stakeholders as “highly productive and encouraging,” adding that several important initiatives were reviewed to improve the standard of basketball in the country.

For many within Pakistan’s basketball community, the development carries importance beyond official meetings and statements.

Basketball in Pakistan has often struggled with inconsistent administration, lack of infrastructure, limited sponsorship opportunities, and minimal international exposure. Despite producing talented athletes at grassroots and departmental levels, the sport has remained overshadowed by cricket and other mainstream disciplines.

The latest FIBA support for Pakistan basketball is therefore being viewed as an opportunity to revive interest in the sport, strengthen domestic structures, and create pathways for young players to compete internationally.

Khajirian praised the positive response shown by stakeholders and expressed confidence that the recent meetings could become the starting point for a stronger and more organised basketball ecosystem in Pakistan.

FIBA Regional Office-Asia also reiterated its continued support for the growth and promotion of basketball in collaboration with Pakistan’s sports authorities and the Pakistan Basketball Federation.

While practical implementation remains the real challenge, the renewed engagement from FIBA has provided fresh optimism for a sport that has spent years searching for stability and direction.