Doha, May 13 (QNA) - President of Qatar Basketball Federation and Director General of the Organising Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, Mohammed Saad Al Meghaiseeb, affirmed that the official draw ceremony for the qualifiers, held in Doha on Tuesday evening, marks the true start of the journey towards an extraordinary tournament in 2027.

He described it as the beginning of Qatar’s preparations to host this global event for the first time in the Middle East.

In his speech at the ceremony, Al Meghaiseeb welcomed all attendees to Doha, emphasizing that the draw for the Qatar 2027 Basketball World Cup qualifiers involves 80 national teams from various continents. He expressed pride that Doha has been chosen as the starting point for qualification to the tournament’s finals.

He noted that Qatar’s journey toward organizing this major event began on October 24, 1973, when the late FIBA President William Jones approved Qatar’s entry into the international basketball community.

Reflecting on the progress since then, Al Meghaiseeb acknowledged the support of the Qatar Olympic Committee and relevant authorities, which has helped establish basketball in the country. He expressed pride that Qatar will serve as the host nation for the most prestigious event in the sport.

Al Meghaiseeb underscored that the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be a unique experience, where top players and rising stars, many of whom attended the draw ceremony, will be at the core of the competition.

He highlighted that, for the first time in modern history, all World Cup matches will be played in a single city, ensuring that participants can follow every moment of the championship and every match without the need to travel or disengage from the competitive atmosphere.

The Qatari Federation President noted that fans traveling to Doha will enjoy an unforgettable experience over 17 days. He stated that the 2027 edition of the tournament will be more than just a competition; it will be a celebration of sportsmanship, excellence, teamwork, and respect.

Al Meghaiseeb affirmed that the Organizing Committee is committed to delivering an unparalleled global experience for teams, fans, and federations. He emphasized that everyone visiting Qatar for the tournament will witness what basketball truly represents, experiencing the outstanding organizational standards Qatar is known for.

He praised the Organizing Committee's team, whose dedication and preparations have been essential in laying the groundwork for what is expected to be an unprecedented success.

He highlighted Qatar’s proven ability to host major sporting events at the highest level, adding that the committee’s collective efforts continue to inspire, setting the stage for an extraordinary event in 2027.

Al Meghaiseeb reaffirmed the belief that hosting such prestigious events enhances Qatar’s status as a global sports hub and contributes to strengthening basketball’s presence in the region while expanding its fan base.

In closing, he expressed gratitude to FIBA for its continued trust and partnership, noting that the presence of FIBA representatives at the draw ceremony marks the official start of the journey toward an exceptional World Cup in 2027. (QNA)