The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced on 12 March that Egypt will be the host country for the 2017 Basketball World Cup for junior players under the age of 19.

Egypt beat out Italy, Latvia, and Israel after receiving the most votes.

Magdy Abou Fariha, president of the Egyptian Basketball Federation, said Egypt’s petition to host the event was supported by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Elneny and Egyptian basketball players Assem Marey and Anas Mahmoud.

Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Khaled Abdel Aziz congratulated the Egyptian Basketball Federation and the Egyptian Olympic Committee, considering this a great victory for Egypt’s sports field.

 

Egypt is the first country in Africa to host the FIBA youth event.