SPORTS
IOC adds 3-on-3 basketball to 2020 Olympics
Baku, June 10, AZERTAC
The International Olympic Committee approved the addition of a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to the 2020 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo. The IOC has experimented with 3x3 in their various youth tournaments since 2010, according to NBA.
According to a release from FIBA, because 3x3 uses an economy of space, 3x3 is perfect for an urban environment:
3x3 is widely considered the number one urban team sport - perfect for social media engagement with youngsters - and is simple enough to be played anywhere by anybody.
FIBA President Horacio Muratore said: “The intensity and skill level of the 3x3 Game is such that there are no traditional 3x3 powerhouses and new countries have emerged since the first YOG experience in 2010. This was our main objective back in 2007. The decision provides FIBA with a renewed, strong incentive to continue in this direction and grow the game of basketball by developing new young skilled basketball talents in both genders across the globe from small islands to large countries in every continent.”
Events can be staged indoors like in shopping malls, outdoors on traditional basketball courts or in iconic locations with an efficient and compact temporary stage, always with the goal to bring basketball directly to the people within an urban festival atmosphere.
The competition format, qualification system and the location of the 3x3 venue in Tokyo will be announced at a later stage.