Islamabad (Sports Report):
The Pak-China Friendship Cup All Pakistan 3x3 Basketball Championship will commence from Thursday at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, in celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
According to Ouj-e-Zahoor, Secretary of the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA), the event is being organized to reflect the deep-rooted and time-tested friendship between the two nations.
“The championship is being held under the auspices of the Federal Basketball Association, in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), and under the supervision of the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF),” he said. He added that the event will feature competitions in three major categories — Women’s, Club, and Departmental — with significant participation from across the country.
He said that in the Women’s Category, 28 teams will compete, including strong departmental sides such as Pakistan Army and WAPDA. The Club Category will witness participation from 48 teams representing Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and other cities, highlighting the growing popularity of the 3x3 format nationwide.
In the Departmental Category, 13 teams will take part, including Pakistan Army, WAPDA, Pakistan Police, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Ordnance Factories, and Pakistan Navy.
Ouj-e-Zahoor further said that as part of the celebrations, a special exhibition match between a Chinese team and a local Pakistani club will be held on March 7, symbolizing sports diplomacy and further strengthening bilateral ties through basketball.
Additionally, the Embassy of China in Pakistan will host a cultural ceremony during the championship to celebrate the Chinese New Year — the Year of the Horse — promoting cultural exchange and goodwill. On the direction of DG PSB Yasir Pirzada, the Pakistan Sports Board is extending full support and facilitation to ensure the successful conduct of the championship.
