The Chinese Embassy has generously donated $20,000 for the development of basketball in Fiji.

This contribution is set to significantly strengthen the Federation’s preparation for next year’s Asia Cup Tier 2 competition and to support ongoing development programs to nurture local talent and promote the sport in the country.

Last year, a similar donation helped Basketball Fiji prepare its national teams to the 2023 Pacific Games, where the men’s and women’s teams finished came home with a gold and bronze medal.

In formally presenting the donation, the Chinese Ambassador, Zhou Jian stated that they “are honoured to be able to assist Basketball Fiji and to have a shared commitment to facilitate sports careers in the country.”

Jian shared that he is confident that the financial support will not only assist in the preparation of the national teams, but also the various levels of competitions in the country especially amongst primary and secondary schools.

Receiving the donation, Basketball Fiji’s President, Ioane Naivalurua who expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for their generosity and support to the Federation and their commitment to sports development in Fiji.

Whilst reflecting on previous financial support, Naivalurua thanked the embassy.

He added that it was through the Chinese Embassy’s support that they were able to win the gold medal at the Pacific Games.

Mr Naivalurua stressed how the continued backing has allowed the Federation to expand the sport locally.

The Fiji men’s basketball team will go through a series of preparation in the build up for the Asia Cup Tier 2 competition that will be hosted in China next year.