Bangkok, Thailand Mar 5, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Thailand is preparing to host the highly anticipated International Youth Basketball Championships 2026 (IYBC 2026). Now in its fourth consecutive year, the tournament has evolved into one of the most prestigious youth sporting events in the Asia-Oceania region.
Scheduled to take place from July 24–28, 2026, at RIS Ruamrudee International School (main Minburi Campus) in Bangkok, the event is expected to welcome between 800 and 1,000 young athletes (ages 12–18) from over 70 teams worldwide. Including coaches, officials, and families, the championships are projected to draw more than 3,500 international visitors to the capital.
A Legacy of Growth and Excellence
Originally founded by a dedicated collective of Thai youth basketball parents, the IYBC was established to provide a world-class platform for young athletes to sharpen their skills and foster international friendships. The tournament is fully supported by the Basketball Sport Association of Thailand (BSAT) and operates under FIBA Asia standards.
Since its debut in 2023 with 40 teams, the IYBC has seen exponential growth. This year, participating teams are expected from countries and territories including Australia, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Philippines, UAE, Vietnam, Guam (USA), and Thailand.
Driving Sports Tourism and Soft Power
The IYBC 2026 is a non-profit initiative that adheres strictly to the FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2022, ensuring transparency and international fair play. Beyond the court, the tournament serves as a strategic pillar for Thailand’s "Sports Tourism" policy, utilizing sports as a "Soft Power" to stimulate the economy through travel, hospitality, and local consumption.
Ms. Chupit Chutitum, Senior Executive Director of the IYBC 2026, stated: "We are currently seeing an overwhelming surge in interest and applications from international teams. This reflects the global confidence in the quality of the IYBC platform. We are rapidly becoming one of the most watched and respected youth basketball tournaments in the Asia-Oceania region."
International-Standard Facilities
The tournament will utilize five international-standard courts at RIS Ruamrudee International School (main Minburi campus), including three indoor courts and two covered courts ensuring a premium experience for athletes and spectators alike.
For more information, please visit website: www.iybc-thailand.com, Facebook: IYBC-Thailand, Instagram: @IYBCThailand, Email: info@iybc-thailand.com or Phone: +6681 7241100
About INTERNATIONAL YOUTH BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS (IYBC):
The International Youth Basketball Championships (IYBC) is a premier regional tournament dedicated to developing youth basketball talent and promoting international cultural exchange through sport. Managed by a committee of passionate stakeholders and sanctioned by national and regional governing bodies, it aims to position Thailand as a leading destination for international youth sports.
Media Contact
The Parent Group of Thai Youth Basketball Players pr@iybc-thailand.com +66 817241100 https://iybc-thailand.com/
