Baghdad, Iraq, April 30, 2026: The Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Iraq, Haitham Abdul Hamid, held discussions with FIBA Executive Director for Asia Hagop Khajirian on the future of basketball in Iraq.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, April 29, in Baghdad, focused on a number of important issues related to future plans for the development of the game in the country.
The Iraqi NOC Secretary General revealed that, among the topics covered, was the opening of basketball academies in different parts of the country and nurturing the sport in schools with the aim of building up a young talent base. The training of coaches and refereeing was also discussed.
On his part, the FIBA official expressed his thanks for the warm reception afforded to him, and thanked the Iraqi NOC for its role in the election of a new administration for the Iraqi Basketball Federation.
Khajirian confirmed that his visit to Baghdad was with the intention of supporting the development efforts of Iraqi basketball, emphasising the importance of promoting national teams and clubs in international and Asian competitions so that it will ensure that standards are raised.
Also attending the meeting were the President of the Iraqi Basketball Federation, Dyar Mohammed Sadiq, and Board member Alaa Jabbar Youssef.
