ISLAMABAD — The Pak-China Friendship Cup All Pakistan 3×3 Basketball Championship will begin on Thursday at Liaquat Gymnasium in the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
The tournament has been organized to highlight the long-standing ties between the two countries and to promote basketball across Pakistan, according to officials from the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA).
Ouj-e-Zahoor, Secretary of the FBBA, said the championship is being held under the association’s auspices in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and under the supervision of the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF).
Participation across three categories
The competition will feature teams in three categories — Women’s, Club and Departmental — with participation from teams across the country.
In the Women’s category, 28 teams will compete, including departmental teams such as Pakistan Army and WAPDA.
The Club category will include 48 teams from cities including Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, reflecting the growing popularity of the 3×3 basketball format.
In the Departmental category, 13 teams will participate, including Pakistan Army, WAPDA, Pakistan Police, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Ordnance Factories and Pakistan Navy.
Exhibition match and cultural event planned
As part of the celebrations, an exhibition match between a visiting Chinese team and a local Pakistani club will take place on March 7.
Officials said the match is intended to promote sports diplomacy and strengthen ties between Pakistan and China through sporting engagement.
The Embassy of China in Pakistan will also host a cultural ceremony during the event to celebrate the Chinese New Year, marking the Year of the Horse and promoting cultural exchange.
The Pakistan Sports Board is providing support for the event under the direction of its Director General Yasir Pirzada to ensure the smooth organization of the championship.
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