Seef District – Bahrain Olympic Committee:

His Excellency Shaikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), arrived in the Kingdom of Bahrain on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, accompanied by a FIBA delegation that includes Mr Jorge Joaquin, Member of the Board, and Mr Hamane Niang, President of the FIBA Foundation. The visit comes in conjunction with the FIBA Mid-Term Congress, the FIBA Hall of Fame Ceremony, and the final match of the Khalifa bin Salman Basketball Cup.

His Excellency and the accompanying delegation were received at the VIP lounge of Bahrain International Airport by His Excellency Mr Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, Secretary-General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

Mr. Al Kooheji warmly welcomed Shaikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani and conveyed the greetings of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. He commended Shaikh Saud’s efforts in advancing the sport of basketball globally and expressed pride in Bahrain’s hosting of the FIBA Mid-Term Congress and Hall of Fame Ceremony for the first time. He wished the delegation a pleasant stay in their second home, the Kingdom of Bahrain.

In response, Shaikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani expressed his sincere appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the warm hospitality and gracious reception. He praised the Bahrain Olympic Committee for its continuous support of basketball and lauded the Bahrain Basketball Association for its efforts in organising the Congress and accompanying events. He also extended his best wishes for Bahrain’s continued growth and prosperity.