The President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Hamane Niang, has visited his place of birth in Mali.
Niang was born in the city of Kayes, where he first developed his love for the game of basketball.
The 68-year-old on Monday visited the oldest basketball court in his hometown to observe a tournament organised in the community.
Not only did he coordinate the tournament, which was contested by four clubs, he also joined them to play.
Niang said he was delighted to have returned to the same court where he played as a kid.
“I rediscovered the sensations of 55 years ago on this court,” the FIBA President said, as quoted by the Federation’s website.
“In Kayes, young people are used to organizing basketball tournaments during the holidays.”
“It’s the court where the young Cheick Diallo, who plays in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, once played.”
On the tournaments in witnessed in Kayes, Niang said: “The basketball tournaments have local media, artists, Kayes supporters associations and a young audience.
“Kayes is a basketball town known for the development of young players.”
