ASTANA - Kazakhstan became the latest National Federation in Asia to be familiarized with the New Competition System with the Workshop conducted by FIBA's Regional Office in Asia.

The two-day workshop, which concluded on Saturday had representatives of Kazakhstan NOC, city government of Astana and regional associations of the Kazakhstan NF participating.

The participants were taken through the complete gamut of the New Competition System, preparing them for FIBA's flagship program that is set to tip off in November 2017.

"Hats off to FIBA for bringing a change in the way basketball will be played and perceived," said Mr. Serik Kaskabassov, Executive Director of Kazakhstan NOC.

"We have always wondered what it will take for us to host the National Team in an important basketball event in Kazakhstan. I think this new system is just about the perfect recipe to meet our aspirations," he added.

"The New Competition System will certainly change the way basketball is seen in Kazakhstan," said Mr. Arman Tashmetov, Director of International Relations of Kazakhstan NOC.

The National Federation itself welcomed the New Competition System with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement.

"It's been difficult for us to answer our fans as to why they don’t get to watch the National Team play in front of them. I think now that demand has been answered," said Mr. Abay Alpamyssov, president of Kazakhstan NF.

"The New Competition System also provides us the opportunity to rehaul and upgrade our capabilities as an event host. But then when we have the opportunity of the National Team playing in front of our fans, I think the challenges are par for the course," he added.

Kazakhstan played host recently to the 2016 FIBA U18 3x3 World Championships.

"We learnt a lot of new things during that event," said Alpamyssov. "Most importantly, we learnt what we don’t have."

"Now with this workshop, we realise even more on what it will take Kazakhstan to become a successful in hosting an international game. But we are committed to upgrade ourselves and give Kazakhstan the place it deserves," he said.

FIBA