In basketball, which international body governs the sport worldwide?
VerifiedAnswer: FIBA
Explanation:
FIBA stands for Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur, which is French for International Basketball Federation. This organization serves as the supreme body for basketball worldwide and has been governing the sport internationally since its establishment in 1932.
FIBA was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, by eight founding nations including Argentina, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, and Switzerland. The organization has grown tremendously over the decades and now includes 213 National Basketball Federations across five zones: Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
The primary responsibilities of FIBA include organizing international competitions, establishing and maintaining the official rules of basketball, and promoting the development of the sport worldwide. Some of the major tournaments organized by FIBA include the FIBA Basketball World Cup, FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, and various continental championships like EuroBasket, FIBA AmeriCup, and FIBA Asia Cup.
FIBA also plays a crucial role in basketball at the Olympic Games. While the International Olympic Committee oversees the Olympics, FIBA is responsible for the technical aspects of basketball competitions, including qualifying tournaments and establishing the format for Olympic basketball events.
The organization's headquarters are located in Mies, Switzerland, and it works closely with various continental and national federations to ensure consistent application of rules and standards across all levels of international competition. FIBA's influence extends beyond professional basketball to include youth competitions, wheelchair basketball, and 3x3 basketball, which was added to the Olympic program in 2021.
