The Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Slovak Republic, Dušan Keketi, met with representatives of the International Basketball Association (FIBA) and the Slovak Basketball Association (SBA) on Friday.
Photo: ČTK / imago sportfotodienst / ALBERTO NEVADO
Filled Tipos arena during the match Slovakia – Spain.
On the day when a new attendance record for basketball was born in Slovakia, when 10,046 spectators came to Bratislava’s Tipos Arena for the Slovakian 2025 European Championship qualification match against Spain, he and his partners discussed Slovakia’s candidacy for organizing the 2027 European Women’s Championship and the 2026 European Junior Championship.
These tournaments can significantly increase the popularity of basketball in Slovakia, and bring massive impulses for tourism and the modernization of sports infrastructure.
The meeting is a clear signal that Slovakia wants to be among the leading countries in organizing top sports events: “We want to invest in sport strategically – from supporting youth projects to international championships.
We have a clear vision and are ready to provide active support. Basketball is a sport with great potential that deserves greater support.
The organization of championships such as the Women’s European Championship 2027 and the Junior European Championship 2026 can be a historic opportunity for Slovakia to gain visibility and start new projects in the field of sports and tourism.
We are ready to provide maximum support to the candidacy, while we also expect active cooperation from sponsors and municipalities,” the minister said in a press release.
The EC in women’s basketball is one of the most important sporting events on the continent, and Slovakia has a historic chance to be its co-organizer.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports sees this project as an important step. According to the analysis of the Host City Impact Study, the event can attract thousands of visitors from all over the world, who will significantly contribute to the development of tourism and the promotion of Slovakia as a sports destination.
“This championship is not only about sports. It is a unique opportunity to show that Slovakia can organize a world event at a top level. We want to strengthen the position of our country as a respected sports destination,” emphasized the minister.
At the meeting, particular attention was also paid to the candidacy for the organization of the 2026 youth championship. The minister underlined the importance of supporting youth sports events that help develop new talents and improve conditions for young athletes.
The minister stated that the aspect of sustainability and the involvement of regional partners will be a key aspect of this candidacy.
One of the topics of the discussion was the planned development of sports infrastructure. As a potential main venue for the championships, Bratislava needs modern halls meeting international standards.
Together with the Sports Support Fund, the Ministry is preparing investments in the construction and modernization of sports facilities. From the funds of the fund, the volume of which has increased to 60 million euros, a significant part will go to the support of collective sports and the organization of international events.
The Ministry has a long-term goal of supporting sports events that have a positive impact not only on the sports community, but also on the economy and the international prestige of Slovakia.
This year, 30 events were supported in the amount of 2 million euros. In 2024, the amount of support will increase to 3 million euros, which will enable the organization of up to 40 events, including the European and World Championships.
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
