Doha: The Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Association (QSSA), announced the launch of the inaugural Basketball Mini World Cup, to be held in Doha across two seasons (2025-2026 and 2026-2027), marking the first pioneering initiative of its kind in the Middle East. According to Qatar News Agency, the launch was announced in a press conference held at the Qatar Olympic Committee's (QOC) Al Wajbah Hall and was attended by HE Director of QOC's Sports Sector, President of QSSA, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani; and Director General of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, Mohammed Saad Almeghaiseeb, alongside officials from the Organizing Committee and QSSA. As part of the School Olympic Program, the tournament is being organized under the supervision of FIBA in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation and will mirror the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027's competitive format, offering a unique school-level simulation of one of the world's premier sporting spectacles. In a prelude to the highly anticipated event, the Basketball Mini World Cup will bring together 32 secondary school teams from across Qatar to compete under their schools' banners in the first season, running from November 4, 2025, until the end of April 2026, whereas they will simulate the qualified national teams in the second season, in keeping with the 2026-2027 Olympic Program. The Basketball Mini World Cup seeks to blend education and sport in an experience that brings students closer to one of the biggest international events ever staged in Qatar, offering young athletes a taste of competition, whilst instilling in them the values of teamwork, collaboration, and community service. Moreover, the mini tournament will be accompanied by a series of interactive activities, which will offer students the chance to experience the various preparation stages to host the World Cup, thus deepening participants' passion for basketball and their appreciation of the sport's cultural and educational legacy. Director General of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, Mohammed Saad Almeghaiseeb said: "For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world's greatest sporting events. This initiative offers them a unique opportunity that combines athletic challenge with meaningful educational experiences, nurturing their skills while instilling the values of excellence and teamwork." "The ultimate goal of this tournament is to raise sporting awareness among students, link them to the legacy of basketball both in Qatar and internationally, and reinforce sport as a cultural, educational, and human value that inspires future generations," Almeghaiseeb added. HE Director of QOC's Sports Sector, President of QSSA, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani said: "Through this partnership, we aim for the tournament to leave a lasting legacy, encompassing state-of-the-art sports facilities, development programs for youth and juniors, and increased participation in sports across all segments of society, while ensuring the highest standards of organization and providing an unforgettable experience for student-athletes." His Excellency continued, saying: "We stand on the threshold of a global event eagerly awaited by millions. With the concerted efforts of our partners at both the international and local federations, and with your media support playing a pivotal role in conveying our message, we are confident that we will deliver a championship marked by exceptional sportsmanship and remarkable achievements." The launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup underlines Qatar's vision to enhance school sports, instill social and educational values through athletics, and nurture a generation capable of proudly representing the nation on the global stage.