The year 2010 has been truly remarkable in FIBA Asia’s path to development with many new countries and cities coming forward to host our events. Sana’a, the capital city of Yemen, is the latest in that list.

The 21st FIBA Asia U18 Championship is an event that is important in many ways.

The young and upcoming players who display their talent at Sana’a are the key to the bright future of basketball for not only their country’s National teams but also entire Asia.

Coming as they do from various cultures and systems of play depicting the diversity in FIBA Asia, I am convinced of the colorful treat of basketball we are all in for at Sana’a.

As you are aware, the top three teams from this Championship will earn the honor of representing FIBA Asia in the 2011 FIBA World U19 Championship. And we do believe that while they attempt to qualify these three teams would show us the best of the talent available in FIBA Asia.

Historically, Sana’a is one of the oldest continuously inhabited in the history of humanity. On behalf of FIBA Asia, I am quite excited that we chose a city of Sana’a rich cultural heritage to host one of our most important events.

I am confident that the event will also spark enough interest among the basketball fans of Yemen and help in popularizing the sport.

I wish all the participants and delegates a wonderful stay at Sana’a.

Shookran, Yemen! Mabrook Yemen!
Good Luck to all the teams!

Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani
President
FIBA Asia