18TH FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONS CUP
12 – 20 May 2007 TEHRAN IRAN
1. GENERAL
1.1. Inspired with the success in organizing the FIBA Asia Young Men Championship in October 2004, once again Iran has the honor to host this major event. The 18th FIBA Asia Champions Cup was held in Tehran, the capital of Iran from 12- 20 May 2007.
1.2. This premier event has captured the great interests of WABA and the Gulf region as indicated from list of participants. This year they have the majority 5 out of 8 spots. Philippines from South East Asia, India and Kazakhstan Middle Asia, took the remaining 3 spots. Bearing in mind Jordan and Kuwait withdrew from participation. Otherwise the score would have been 7 out of the total 10 spots. There was no participant from East Asia.
2. PARTICIPATING TEAMS AND DRAW
2.1. The event and procedure was initiated in February 2007 that, the championship will be held as scheduled. However, due to the late completion of the zones qualifying tournaments, the final entry was only confirmed on 24 April 2007. They were as follows:
2.1.1. Middle Asia : Kazakhstan and India
2.1.2. West Asia : Iran, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon
2.1.3. South East Asia : Philippines
2.1.4. Gulf : Qatar, UAE and Kuwait
2.2. Notice for the draw on 2nd May 2007 at Azadi Sport Complex basketball conference room, Tehran was faxed to all parties concerned. The result of the draw as follows:
2.2.1.
Group A
Group B
Lebanon (Blue Stars)
Qatar (Al Rayyan)
India (Young Cagers)
Kuwait (Al Qadisia)
Jordan (Arena)
Syria (Al Jalaa)
Iran (SABA)
Philippines (San Miguel)
Kazakhstan (Astana Tigers)
Bahrain (Al Muharrak)
2.3. Competition schedule was immediately prepared and faxed / emailed to all the participating teams on 4th May 2007. Then the following events took place.
2.3.1. Jordan (Arena) officially wrote to FIBA Asia on 5th May 2007, stating that due to various reasons, withdrew from participation.
2.3.2. New competition schedule was prepared and sent to all concerned on 6th May 2007. It was too late to replace the vacancy left by Jordan and Group A had 4 teams left.
2.4. During the Team managers Meeting on 11th May 2007 at 1430 hours, it was announced that Kuwait team (Al Qadisia) will not be participating, so Group A was left with only 3 teams (Lebanon, Qatar and India) Whereas Group B with 5 teams was rather off balance.
3. COMPETITON SYSTEM AND SCHEDULE
3.1. Competition System. The system as stipulated in FIBA Asia constitutions governing the competition rules and regulation was applied.
3.2. Competition Schedule. It was amended every time that a team withdrew from competition and sent to all concerned. Details schedule as per annex attached.
4. COMPETITION VENUE
4.1. The competition was pitched at the Azadi Stadium located about 40 minutes drive form Laleh Hotel game village. It is fully air-conditioned and well maintained with seating capacity of 3,000. Equipped with all necessary facilities, including 4 players’ locker rooms, VIPs lounge and other administrative offices.
4.2. The court area is good enough as per the basketball specifications. The floor furnished with wood-base was clearly lined in white paint. Advertising Boards around the perimeter were decorative and created a carnival environment.
4.3. Basket Supports branded Schedule with mounted 24 second clocks were good equipment provided good service, without any problem. The 24 second clock gave some hiccups causing minor interruptions of the game. The equipment should be reviewed for endurance in future championships.
4.4. Electronic Scoreboards mounted on both sides of the court were big and clearly visible to the teams and spectators. They were designed with the require data for information and functioned very well.
5. TEAM MANAGERS MEETING
5.1. For the convenience of the teams, the meeting was held in Laleh Hotel Conference Room on 11th May 2007 at 1430 hours. In the absence of Dato’ Yeoh Choo Hock, Secretary General FIBA Asia, Mr. Hagop Khajirian chaired the meeting to coordinate the activities of the championship. Matters were conducted as per agenda issued for the meeting.
5.2. Technical Committee
President : Dato’ Yeoh Choo Hock (Sec-Gen, FIBA Asia)
Member (Host) : Mr. Mohammad Reza Mashhoun (Iran)
Member (Coopted) : Mr. Hagop Khajirian (Deputy. Sec-Gen, FIBA Asia)
Secretary : Col. Lee Kak Kuan (Technical Director, FIBA Asia)
5.2.1. Jury Of Appeal
(a) President : Sheikh Saud Ali Al-Thani, (President, FIBA Asia)
Members - Alternates
(b) India - Qatar
(c) Philippines - Syria
(d) Bahrain - Lebanon
(e) Iran - Kazakhstan
5.2.2. Commissioners (FIBA Asia)
(a) Dr. Pratoom Muongmee (Thailand)
(b) Mr. Orabi, Riad (Syria)
5.2.3. Commissioners – Host Country
(a) Mr. Jafarian, Nosratollah
(b) Mr. Kamalian, Safa Ali
5.2.4. FIBA International Regulations Governing the status of players and basketball nationality were highlighted. The agenda also included the duties of participating teams and penalty for refusing to play, etc.
5.2.5. Confirmed team lists as per the annex attached.
6. TECHNICAL OFFICIALS AND REFEREES MEETING
6.1. The meeting was held immediately after the Team Managers Meeting at the same venue at 1600 hours. Mr. Hagop Khajirian chaired the meeting. He welcomed all the referees present and emphasized the important of this championship and then handed over the meeting to Col. Lee Kak Kuan to deal with the technical agenda.
6.2. By ruling, all teams must have accompanied FIBA Referees. It was not fully responded as Qatar and Bahrain did not provide the referees. Total referees for the championship was 11 including 2 neutral referees and referees from the host. The list of the referees and record of the assignment as per annex attached.
7. ACCOMMODATION
7.1. Azadi and Laleh Hotels were chosen for the game village for all participating teams and officials. They are good hotels that provided all the facilities and convenience. The organizers tried its best to resolve on any complaint received.
8. TRANSPORT
8.1. Transport is a vital requirement in a successful organization. Therefore a sound transport system must be carefully planed and executed. Sufficient buses were provided for conveying the teams and cars for officials. There was no complaint received.
8.2. Similarly, ample food was catered and served on buffet system. With the varieties offered with changes in the menu, the participants enjoyed the good food served without complaining.
9. TOURNAMENT
9.1. The competition catered for 22 matches to be completed in 9 days, average of 3 matches were played daily with a rest day. Soon after the inaugural opening ceremony by Sheikh Saud, the President of FIBA Asia, the event play off was plain-sailing. It concluded in success.
9.2. The championship was keenly contested, good performance was displayed at every stage of the competition, especially the semi-finals and final. For most matches, the results were only known in the last minute.
9.3. After 7 days of intensive and thrilling competition, Syria and Iran were berthed for the final. In the final show-down the Iranians with their sharp shooting and superb team work asserted immense pressure on Syria. Both teams were locked in close battle. At half time the score was 41- 39 and Iran leading. The intense struggle for supremacy continued in the second half. When the time expired to end the match, Iran the home team clinched the title as the new champion, under the fully packed stadium. The score was 83 – 75. Detail results as per annex attached. The standing results are as follows:
9.3.1. First - Iran (SABA Battery)
9.3.2. Second - Syria (Al Jalaa)
9.3.3. Third - Qatar (Al Rayyan)
9.3.4. Fourth - Philippines (San Miguel)
9.3.5. Fifth - Lebanon (Blue Stars)
9.3.6. Sixth - Kazakhstan (Astana Tigers)
9.3.7. Seventh- India (Young Cagers)
9.3.8. Eighth - Bahrain (Al Muharraq)
10. OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
10.1. Team Withdrawal. The withdrawal of the teams at the eleventh hour presented a dilemma to the organizers. UAE was supposed to participate but withdrew before the draw and was replaced with Bahrain from the Gulf. Then Jordan withdrew after the draw on 5th May, and followed by Kuwait on 10th May, just 2 days before the start of the championship.
10.2. Late withdrawal of participating teams is very unhealthy and should be viewed seriously. Very often it leads to financial losses to the organizers in preparation. This includes booking of the stadium, board and lodging, publicity, sponsors and TV coverage apart from ticketing, etc.
10.3. It is recommended that any team that withdraws late should be responsible to compensate the organization. The quantum of payment depends on the time frame of withdrawal.
10.4. Team referee. By rules all participating teams must have accompanied active FIBA Referees. For this championship Qatar and Bahrain did not have the referees, resulting in the shortage of referees, as Group A consisting of 3 teams only have 2 referees. Thus, the assignment for the referees to officiate the 2 games ( 4 Referees) in Group B was a problem. Neutral referees were used and the presence of Mr. Mohammad Amiri the referee who came without Kuwait team was a blessing in disguise. His service was fully utilized.
10.5. Teams participating in any championship without the accompanied referees is not acceptable. The team that has breached this rule must compensate the organizers the total cost expended to replace the referees from another source. The importance of Referees in this aspect must not be overlooked. It is strongly recommended that this measure must prevail to ensure that the success of the organization is not jeopardized.
10.6. Souvenir Magazine. The requirement may be overlooked. It is a noum in every FIBA Asia Championship that it would be produced for all the participating federations. In a way it is historical and provides a sense of pride to view this valuable souvenir magazine at later stage in life.
10.7. A simple and informative program to captivate the events of the championship must be produced in every FIBA Asia Championship.
11. CONCLUSION
11.1. The championship concluded in success with emphasis that the observations raised need be arrested for future championships. On behalf of FIBA Asia, I wish to congratulate the 18th FIBA Asia Champions Cup Organizing Committee under the leadership of Mr. Mohmoud Mashhoon, President of I.R. Iran Basketball Federation for the successful championship. Heartiest congratulations to Iran (SABA Battery) for having emerged as the New Champion 2007.
11.2. Finally, to all the sponsors, mass media and television for their generous contributions for the love of basketball.
Thank you “ Peace Through Basketball”
12 – 20 May 2007 TEHRAN IRAN
1. GENERAL
1.1. Inspired with the success in organizing the FIBA Asia Young Men Championship in October 2004, once again Iran has the honor to host this major event. The 18th FIBA Asia Champions Cup was held in Tehran, the capital of Iran from 12- 20 May 2007.
1.2. This premier event has captured the great interests of WABA and the Gulf region as indicated from list of participants. This year they have the majority 5 out of 8 spots. Philippines from South East Asia, India and Kazakhstan Middle Asia, took the remaining 3 spots. Bearing in mind Jordan and Kuwait withdrew from participation. Otherwise the score would have been 7 out of the total 10 spots. There was no participant from East Asia.
2. PARTICIPATING TEAMS AND DRAW
2.1. The event and procedure was initiated in February 2007 that, the championship will be held as scheduled. However, due to the late completion of the zones qualifying tournaments, the final entry was only confirmed on 24 April 2007. They were as follows:
2.1.1. Middle Asia : Kazakhstan and India
2.1.2. West Asia : Iran, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon
2.1.3. South East Asia : Philippines
2.1.4. Gulf : Qatar, UAE and Kuwait
2.2. Notice for the draw on 2nd May 2007 at Azadi Sport Complex basketball conference room, Tehran was faxed to all parties concerned. The result of the draw as follows:
2.2.1.
Group A
Group B
Lebanon (Blue Stars)
Qatar (Al Rayyan)
India (Young Cagers)
Kuwait (Al Qadisia)
Jordan (Arena)
Syria (Al Jalaa)
Iran (SABA)
Philippines (San Miguel)
Kazakhstan (Astana Tigers)
Bahrain (Al Muharrak)
2.3. Competition schedule was immediately prepared and faxed / emailed to all the participating teams on 4th May 2007. Then the following events took place.
2.3.1. Jordan (Arena) officially wrote to FIBA Asia on 5th May 2007, stating that due to various reasons, withdrew from participation.
2.3.2. New competition schedule was prepared and sent to all concerned on 6th May 2007. It was too late to replace the vacancy left by Jordan and Group A had 4 teams left.
2.4. During the Team managers Meeting on 11th May 2007 at 1430 hours, it was announced that Kuwait team (Al Qadisia) will not be participating, so Group A was left with only 3 teams (Lebanon, Qatar and India) Whereas Group B with 5 teams was rather off balance.
3. COMPETITON SYSTEM AND SCHEDULE
3.1. Competition System. The system as stipulated in FIBA Asia constitutions governing the competition rules and regulation was applied.
3.2. Competition Schedule. It was amended every time that a team withdrew from competition and sent to all concerned. Details schedule as per annex attached.
4. COMPETITION VENUE
4.1. The competition was pitched at the Azadi Stadium located about 40 minutes drive form Laleh Hotel game village. It is fully air-conditioned and well maintained with seating capacity of 3,000. Equipped with all necessary facilities, including 4 players’ locker rooms, VIPs lounge and other administrative offices.
4.2. The court area is good enough as per the basketball specifications. The floor furnished with wood-base was clearly lined in white paint. Advertising Boards around the perimeter were decorative and created a carnival environment.
4.3. Basket Supports branded Schedule with mounted 24 second clocks were good equipment provided good service, without any problem. The 24 second clock gave some hiccups causing minor interruptions of the game. The equipment should be reviewed for endurance in future championships.
4.4. Electronic Scoreboards mounted on both sides of the court were big and clearly visible to the teams and spectators. They were designed with the require data for information and functioned very well.
5. TEAM MANAGERS MEETING
5.1. For the convenience of the teams, the meeting was held in Laleh Hotel Conference Room on 11th May 2007 at 1430 hours. In the absence of Dato’ Yeoh Choo Hock, Secretary General FIBA Asia, Mr. Hagop Khajirian chaired the meeting to coordinate the activities of the championship. Matters were conducted as per agenda issued for the meeting.
5.2. Technical Committee
President : Dato’ Yeoh Choo Hock (Sec-Gen, FIBA Asia)
Member (Host) : Mr. Mohammad Reza Mashhoun (Iran)
Member (Coopted) : Mr. Hagop Khajirian (Deputy. Sec-Gen, FIBA Asia)
Secretary : Col. Lee Kak Kuan (Technical Director, FIBA Asia)
5.2.1. Jury Of Appeal
(a) President : Sheikh Saud Ali Al-Thani, (President, FIBA Asia)
Members - Alternates
(b) India - Qatar
(c) Philippines - Syria
(d) Bahrain - Lebanon
(e) Iran - Kazakhstan
5.2.2. Commissioners (FIBA Asia)
(a) Dr. Pratoom Muongmee (Thailand)
(b) Mr. Orabi, Riad (Syria)
5.2.3. Commissioners – Host Country
(a) Mr. Jafarian, Nosratollah
(b) Mr. Kamalian, Safa Ali
5.2.4. FIBA International Regulations Governing the status of players and basketball nationality were highlighted. The agenda also included the duties of participating teams and penalty for refusing to play, etc.
5.2.5. Confirmed team lists as per the annex attached.
6. TECHNICAL OFFICIALS AND REFEREES MEETING
6.1. The meeting was held immediately after the Team Managers Meeting at the same venue at 1600 hours. Mr. Hagop Khajirian chaired the meeting. He welcomed all the referees present and emphasized the important of this championship and then handed over the meeting to Col. Lee Kak Kuan to deal with the technical agenda.
6.2. By ruling, all teams must have accompanied FIBA Referees. It was not fully responded as Qatar and Bahrain did not provide the referees. Total referees for the championship was 11 including 2 neutral referees and referees from the host. The list of the referees and record of the assignment as per annex attached.
7. ACCOMMODATION
7.1. Azadi and Laleh Hotels were chosen for the game village for all participating teams and officials. They are good hotels that provided all the facilities and convenience. The organizers tried its best to resolve on any complaint received.
8. TRANSPORT
8.1. Transport is a vital requirement in a successful organization. Therefore a sound transport system must be carefully planed and executed. Sufficient buses were provided for conveying the teams and cars for officials. There was no complaint received.
8.2. Similarly, ample food was catered and served on buffet system. With the varieties offered with changes in the menu, the participants enjoyed the good food served without complaining.
9. TOURNAMENT
9.1. The competition catered for 22 matches to be completed in 9 days, average of 3 matches were played daily with a rest day. Soon after the inaugural opening ceremony by Sheikh Saud, the President of FIBA Asia, the event play off was plain-sailing. It concluded in success.
9.2. The championship was keenly contested, good performance was displayed at every stage of the competition, especially the semi-finals and final. For most matches, the results were only known in the last minute.
9.3. After 7 days of intensive and thrilling competition, Syria and Iran were berthed for the final. In the final show-down the Iranians with their sharp shooting and superb team work asserted immense pressure on Syria. Both teams were locked in close battle. At half time the score was 41- 39 and Iran leading. The intense struggle for supremacy continued in the second half. When the time expired to end the match, Iran the home team clinched the title as the new champion, under the fully packed stadium. The score was 83 – 75. Detail results as per annex attached. The standing results are as follows:
9.3.1. First - Iran (SABA Battery)
9.3.2. Second - Syria (Al Jalaa)
9.3.3. Third - Qatar (Al Rayyan)
9.3.4. Fourth - Philippines (San Miguel)
9.3.5. Fifth - Lebanon (Blue Stars)
9.3.6. Sixth - Kazakhstan (Astana Tigers)
9.3.7. Seventh- India (Young Cagers)
9.3.8. Eighth - Bahrain (Al Muharraq)
10. OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
10.1. Team Withdrawal. The withdrawal of the teams at the eleventh hour presented a dilemma to the organizers. UAE was supposed to participate but withdrew before the draw and was replaced with Bahrain from the Gulf. Then Jordan withdrew after the draw on 5th May, and followed by Kuwait on 10th May, just 2 days before the start of the championship.
10.2. Late withdrawal of participating teams is very unhealthy and should be viewed seriously. Very often it leads to financial losses to the organizers in preparation. This includes booking of the stadium, board and lodging, publicity, sponsors and TV coverage apart from ticketing, etc.
10.3. It is recommended that any team that withdraws late should be responsible to compensate the organization. The quantum of payment depends on the time frame of withdrawal.
10.4. Team referee. By rules all participating teams must have accompanied active FIBA Referees. For this championship Qatar and Bahrain did not have the referees, resulting in the shortage of referees, as Group A consisting of 3 teams only have 2 referees. Thus, the assignment for the referees to officiate the 2 games ( 4 Referees) in Group B was a problem. Neutral referees were used and the presence of Mr. Mohammad Amiri the referee who came without Kuwait team was a blessing in disguise. His service was fully utilized.
10.5. Teams participating in any championship without the accompanied referees is not acceptable. The team that has breached this rule must compensate the organizers the total cost expended to replace the referees from another source. The importance of Referees in this aspect must not be overlooked. It is strongly recommended that this measure must prevail to ensure that the success of the organization is not jeopardized.
10.6. Souvenir Magazine. The requirement may be overlooked. It is a noum in every FIBA Asia Championship that it would be produced for all the participating federations. In a way it is historical and provides a sense of pride to view this valuable souvenir magazine at later stage in life.
10.7. A simple and informative program to captivate the events of the championship must be produced in every FIBA Asia Championship.
11. CONCLUSION
11.1. The championship concluded in success with emphasis that the observations raised need be arrested for future championships. On behalf of FIBA Asia, I wish to congratulate the 18th FIBA Asia Champions Cup Organizing Committee under the leadership of Mr. Mohmoud Mashhoon, President of I.R. Iran Basketball Federation for the successful championship. Heartiest congratulations to Iran (SABA Battery) for having emerged as the New Champion 2007.
11.2. Finally, to all the sponsors, mass media and television for their generous contributions for the love of basketball.
Thank you “ Peace Through Basketball”
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