Basketball

An annual 3x3 basketball Hanoi Open Cup (HOC) 2023 will be organised on May 20-21 in Hà Nội. — Photo of HOC

HÀ NỘI — The fourth 3x3 basketball Hanoi Open Cup (HOC) 2023 will be organised on May 20-21 at the pedestrian area near Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hà Nội.

The tournament, entitled Power of Unity, has been officially registered in the competition system of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

It will see the participation of 37 teams. They will compete in four categories of men's pro (16 teams) and women's pro (six teams), men's U16 (six teams) and U18 (eight teams).

The teams will be divided into groups, competing in a round robin format. Top teams will advance to the knock-out stages.

In additions to prizes for the winners, the organisers also deliver awards to the Most Valuable Players.

A sideline Shoot-out Contest by the Hanoi Buffaloes will be held during the main competitions. Bonuses in cash are available for the best players.

HOC is an annual tournament jointly organised by the Hà Nội Culture and Sports Department and the city's Basketball Federation who expects to hold it twice per year in the near future.

It is considered a key event to develop basketball in the community. The talented players will be pushed to the elite clubs and city and national teams.

Speaking at a press conference introducing the event, Đinh Văn Luyến, an official of the Hà Nội Culture and Sports Department, said the tournament played a role in the sports movement in general, and basketball in Hà Nội in particular.

This year, it was held at this time to celebrate national festivals and holidays, especially the 133rd birthday President Hồ Chí Minh (May 19).

Organisers hoped that the sports event would lure the attendance of locals and foreigners during the weekend. — VNS