Chonburi Hosts Asian Youth Basketball Invitational 2026

Chonburi opens its doors for the boys' youth basketball tournament "THE BOYS' INVITATIONAL 2026" from October 23-25, 2026, at the TATTA Home Court indoor stadium, TATTA Sport Co., Ltd. (Head Office), Chonburi Province. The event provides a stage for rising basketball stars from Thailand and the Asian region to compete in 5x5 format for the "Suthat Chomklin" trophy, while also vying for a chance to advance to Thailand's premier international youth basketball competition, "IYBC 2027."

This competition aims to create a platform for young athletes to showcase their potential through intense games covering individual skills, game reading, decision-making, teamwork, and pressure handling. On-court performance will serve as another important opportunity to build experience and develop toward higher-level competition.

At the opening ceremony, Ms. Chupis Chutitham, Project Director of the Boys' 5x5 Basketball Tournament (U17) "THE BOYS' INVITATIONAL 2026," outlined the event's objectives and summarized the number of teams and countries participating, reflecting the commitment to creating a quality competitive stage and giving youth the opportunity to develop skills against diverse opponents.

Mr. Piyapong Piranun, Secretary-General of the Basketball Sport Association of Thailand, spoke about the association's continued support for youth basketball to stimulate the sport's growth in Thailand, promote athlete development across age groups, increase international-standard competition experience, and lay the foundation for future professional basketball players.

Mr. Surapong Namjairoj, former Assistant Minister of Industry, representing Mr. Suthat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who presided over the opening, delivered a speech under the concept "Sports for a Sustainable Future," reflecting the view that sports not only create athletes but also build people, society, and a better future for youth before officially declaring the tournament open.

Additionally, promoting sports at all levels plays a crucial role in creating opportunities and inspiration for youth, coupled with instilling environmental awareness, resource efficiency, and supporting competition management that considers social and environmental responsibility, ensuring sports development grows sustainably alongside society.

"THE BOYS' INVITATIONAL 2026" follows FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2024 in 5x5 format, divided into three age categories: U13, U15, and U17, with the "Suthat Chomklin" trophy as the ultimate goal for each team. Simultaneously, participating athletes have the opportunity to be considered and invited to compete in "IYBC 2027," another important stage for advancing experience to the international level.

The tournament stems from the determination of a group of parents of Thai youth basketball players who want to create a quality competitive arena and increase opportunities for continuous skill development, following on from "THE BOYS' INVITATIONAL 2025," the first such event in Thailand, which received support from the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Basketball Sport Association of Thailand (BSAT).

One Court, Two Goals — Chase the "THE BOYS' INVITATIONAL 2026" Championship and Open the Door to "IYBC 2027" from October 23-25, 2026. Basketball fans.