Hong Kong is gearing up to host a significant 3×3 basketball Olympic qualifying tournament in April, despite facing various challenges, including wavering popularity and financial concerns. The event, organized by M1 Group, which also managed this year’s Fiba 3×3 Hong Kong Masters, marks a crucial step in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.
The decision to host the tournament in Hong Kong comes after initial plans to hold it in Israel were abandoned due to geopolitical tensions. This shift presents Hong Kong with a unique opportunity to showcase its capabilities in organizing international sports events. The tournament, however, comes with a hefty price tag. Officials have estimated the cost at around US$2.55 million (HK$20 million), but sources indicate that Hong Kong has managed to secure the rights at a discounted rate.
Despite the high costs, the tournament is expected to generate considerable interest in the sport, which has not yet gained widespread popularity in the city. Previous 3×3 basketball events in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, saw sparse attendance, highlighting the need for increased engagement and promotion.
The April tournament will feature eight men’s and eight women’s teams competing over two days, with the winners in each category securing a spot in the Olympics. As hosts, Hong Kong will enter a team in each category, although the chances of progressing further amidst tough competition appear slim.
Top teams like Latvia’s men’s team, the gold medalists in Tokyo, and the Netherlands, who finished fifth, are expected to participate. Other strong contenders include Mongolia, ranked second in Asia, and teams from Austria, Switzerland, Egypt, and New Zealand.
In the women’s category, Mongolia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Poland, Egypt, and Chile are some of the expected participants. The tournament in Hong Kong will be followed by a second qualifier in Utsunomiya, Japan, and a final one in Debrecen, Hungary, each offering additional Olympic spots.
This event in Hong Kong not only provides a platform for high-level competition but also an opportunity for the city to bolster its reputation as a venue for international sporting events. With China and the United States already securing spots for both their men’s and women’s teams, and Serbia’s men and France’s women qualifying, the tournament in Hong Kong becomes even more pivotal for teams vying for Olympic glory. The success of this event will be crucial for the city’s sports scene and could potentially spark greater interest in 3×3 basketball among the local population.
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