MINSK, 18 April (BelTA) – The first Belarusian 3x3 championships will kick off in a new sport center at the National State School of Olympic Reserve on 19 April, Executive Director, Secretary General of the Belarusian Basketball Federation Anastasia Marinina told a press conference at the publishing house Belarus Segodnya on 18 April, BelTA has learned.
“The federation will continue developing 3x3 basketball after the 2nd European Games. Chairman of the Belarusian Basketball Federation Maksim Ryzhenkov has decided to organize the national championships which will enable players to earn points in the rankings. The first tour kicks off in the new center at the National State School of Olympic Reserve on 19 April. Belarus University Cup will start on 20 April. The tournament will be an important stage in the preparations for the 2nd European Games. The federation started developing 3x3 basketball in 2015, when Minsk played host to the FIBA 3x3 U18 European Championships. Teams have been training for the European Games since 2017. Palova Arena will be the main venue and will be ready in June. The arena will host the final stage of the Belarusian championships on 15-16 June. The competitions will serve as a rehearsal ahead of the 2nd European Games,” Anastasia Marinina said.
Anastasia Sushchik, a player of the Belarusian 3x3 team, is confident that the national team will have to make every effort to achieve the outlined goals both at the Belarusian championships and the European Games. “The most important event in my sporting career has been the 2015 FIBA 3x3 U18 European Championships in Minsk so far. We performed well, won silver medals. Palova Arena for me means only positive emotions and memories. It is great that four years later we will play here again in front of the home crowd as part of the 2nd European Games. We are ready for a serious battle. I believe that Belarusians have everything necessary to achieve the goal: high-quality training and participation in various international competitions, experienced players and coach Yuri Volk, and also the home turf and the fans who have trust in us,” Anastasia Sushchik said.
The first 3x3 basketball tournament was held in the United States in 1989. FIBA held the first 3x3 competitions at the 2007 Asian Indoor Games in Macau.