Riyadh, November 1, 2024 – The excitement is mounting as the FIBA Asia Cup prepares to arrive in Jeddah in August 2025, with anticipation building following the official unveiling of the tournament’s logo and visual identity. The event took place on Tuesday at the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) headquarters in Riyadh, where representatives from Saudi sports leadership and FIBA came together to celebrate this symbolic milestone.
Attendees included Eng. Bakr Darwish, Head of SOPC’s Joint Service Sector; Dr. Ghassan Tashkandi, president of the Saudi Basketball Federation (SBF); and Hagop Khajirian, FIBA executive director for Asia and Asia Secretariat chief executive. Each leader expressed enthusiasm for the tournament, which will be hosted in the Kingdom for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the region’s sporting journey.
The logo’s design draws inspiration from the traditional Saudi “Ardah” dance, a powerful emblem of Saudi culture. This cultural reference is symbolically woven into the tournament’s visual identity, blending the fluid, rhythmic movements of Ardah with the agility and grace of basketball players. This fusion not only honors Saudi heritage but also reflects the spirit of athleticism and cultural pride set to be showcased at the tournament.
“The unveiling of this logo signifies more than just a countdown; it represents the significant strides made in Asian basketball and the boundless potential ahead,” Khajirian noted during the event. “The design stands out for its simplicity and impactful quality, allowing it to capture the essence of Asian basketball in a single, unforgettable glance—demonstrating the power of simplicity to achieve great things.”
Incorporating shades of lavender, a color inspired by the delicate yet vibrant lavender flowers native to the Kingdom, the logo also embodies Saudi Arabia’s aspirations for this tournament. Dr. Tashkandi emphasized that the logo’s blend of traditional symbols and forward-looking elements captures the Kingdom’s dedication to hosting an event that balances authenticity with innovation. He added, “Saudi Arabia is looking forward to welcoming the Asian basketball community, presenting a blend of time-honored traditions with a vision for the future.”
Preparations for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup are already well underway, with qualification rounds setting the stage for the top teams to meet in Jeddah next year. The journey toward qualification began in February 2024, with three qualifying rounds determining which 16 teams will earn a place in the tournament. The second qualifying round, scheduled from November 21 to 25, is expected to be pivotal in narrowing down the roster of competing nations.
As the countdown continues, basketball fans across Asia and beyond eagerly await the chance to witness an event that not only celebrates athletic prowess but also pays homage to the rich culture of Saudi Arabia. The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 is poised to be a groundbreaking event, shining a spotlight on the Kingdom’s commitment to uniting sports and heritage in a spectacular display.
