Monday evening was one of celebration as Malta’s basketball family gathered for the Malta Basketball Association’s (MBA) 60th anniversary and awards night. The guest of honour, FIBA General Secretary Andreas Zagklis, delivered a heartfelt address, highlighting the passion and perseverance that has driven Maltese basketball over the past six decades.
Speaking to a distinguished audience that included Malta’s Minister of Education and Sport, the President of the Olympic Committee, and the CEO of SportMalta, Zagklis celebrated the collective efforts that have propelled Maltese basketball onto the international stage. Representing the Central Board of FIBA, he conveyed the congratulations of FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani and Vice-President Jorge Garbajosa, expressing his pride in the association’s progress over the years.
“It is an evening of celebration, the 60th anniversary of the Malta Basketball Association – Andreas Zagklis.
Zagklis acknowledged that such a milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the past while looking forward with hope and ambition. For Zagklis, the story of Maltese basketball is one of “passionate individuals” who have worked tirelessly to drive the sport forward, surpassing expectations and creating a strong basketball culture in the country.
“Through our glasses, those outside looking in, Malta basketball is a history of passionate individuals… It is a story that goes for six decades and will go for much longer for the simple reason that there is so much love and true passion for our sport in this country,” Zagklis remarked.
Zagklis was quick to point out that Malta’s contribution to international basketball has not gone unnoticed. The Maltese federation, he said, is well-respected on the global stage for its organisation, dedication, and successful hosting of various FIBA events. And more than just a warm Mediterranean welcome, Zagklis recognised the serious work ethic and strategic leadership within the MBA that has earned them a place in the international basketball community.
FIBA ambitions
However, Zagklis also took the opportunity to inspire ambition for the future. “A competition that should not be the ceiling of your dreams,” he said, referring to Malta’s consistent success in the European Championships for Small Countries. He urged Malta to aspire beyond its current achievements, particularly in the expanding field of 3×3 basketball, which has now become an Olympic discipline. This format, Zagklis noted, offers smaller countries like Malta an unparalleled opportunity to compete on the world stage with just four excellent players, democratising the game in ways never seen before.
In his address, Zagklis also paid tribute to the hard-working leaders and personalities who have shaped Maltese basketball. From the creation of the Promotion Cup – now transformed into the European Championships for Small Countries – to the current generation of officials and leaders, the MBA has been led by visionaries dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what Maltese basketball can achieve.
Beyond the efforts of the federation, Zagklis extended gratitude to the Maltese government, the Olympic Committee, and the sponsors who continue to support the sport.
In closing, Zagklis offered his congratulations on a remarkable 60 years, while reiterating FIBA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Malta Basketball Association’s growth.
“We hope you are proud of what the MBA has been doing because we are proud of you.”
