93 teams will compete in the 2026 International Youth Basketball Championships (IYBC 2026). The event gathers youth basketball teams from across the region for a competitive tournament.
IYBC 2026 reaffirms the grandeur of the international youth basketball competition, featuring 93 youth teams from 12 countries in Asia and Oceania, all set to compete fiercely for the royal trophy.
Ms. Apinya MeeSamsen, Director of the Office,
Thailand Sports Authority of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, joined by Second Lieutenant Noraphat Yamsuan, Recreation Promotion and Development Specialist from the Department of Physical Education, Mr. Nipon Chavalitmontri, President of the Basketball Association of Thailand, Father Patipol Subananchai, Assistant Director of Ruamrudee International School, Minburi Campus, and Ms. Chupit Chutitham, Senior Director of the International Youth Basketball Championships 2026 (IYBC 2026), presided over the press conference for the IYBC 2026 at the RIS Performing Arts Center at Ruamrudee International School, Minburi Campus.
Officials from government agencies, sports sectors, and educational institutions gathered to announce readiness for the event and share their vision to develop youth through sports, aiming to elevate Thailand as the youth basketball hub of the Asia-Oceania region.
The competition is scheduled to take place from 24 to 28 July 2026 at Ruamrudee International School, Minburi.
Before the press conference began, a ceremony was held to present the royal trophies and pay respects.
A portrait of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was displayed.
Her Royal Highness graciously bestowed the trophies for the winning boys' and girls' teams in the under-16 and under-18 categories, which is the highest honor of the competition and a great encouragement for young athletes from many countries.
Ms. Apinya MeeSamsen, Director of the Thailand Sports Authority Office in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, stated that the IYBC 2026 is the result of ongoing collaboration.
among all sectors to continuously promote and develop youth sports.
She affirmed their commitment to supporting sports activities that provide opportunities for Thai youth to develop their potential to an international level.
Additionally, the Thailand Sports Authority Office in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has formally requested the royal trophy for the winning boys' and girls' teams in the under-16 and under-18 categories,
which is a most gracious royal benevolence and a prestigious honor for the competition.
Second Lieutenant Noraphat Yamsuan, Recreation Promotion and Development Specialist from the Department of Physical Education, said that the Department of Physical Education under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports commends the organizers and all parties involved for their continuous support and development of the basketball competition.
They have successfully elevated it to international standards in terms of event organization, management, and cooperation with international partners.
Thus, the IYBC 2026 serves as an important platform to enhance and develop Thai youth athletes' capabilities to compete on the global stage effectively.
Furthermore,
the Department of Physical Education remains committed to promoting youth sports in all aspects, especially basketball, which not only improves physical fitness but also instills discipline,
responsibility, and teamwork skills, foundational for their growth as future national contributors.
Mr. Nipon Chavalitmontri, President of the Basketball Association of Thailand, stated that the Association has always prioritized youth development as the foundation for the long-term advancement of basketball in Thailand.
Providing youth with opportunities to compete internationally helps them gain experience, develop discipline, enhance skills,
and foster positive attitudes toward sports.
The Basketball Association of Thailand fully supports the IYBC 2026 in areas including competition standards,
technical personnel development, and collaboration with sports organizations domestically and internationally,
aiming to position Thailand as Asia's youth basketball center in the future.
Father Patipol Subananchai, Assistant Director of Ruamrudee International School, Minburi Campus, said that RIS Minburi and RIS Swiss Section are delighted to be part of supporting this competition fully by providing space and facilities to ensure the event meets high standards.
Both schools focus on comprehensive student development, including academics, ethics, life skills, and creative activities, believing that sports are vital tools
for nurturing youth to grow holistically and prepare for international stages.
Meanwhile, Ms. Chupit Chutitham, Senior Director of the International Youth Basketball Championships 2026 (IYBC 2026), revealed that the IYBC competition has continuously developed and gained international recognition for its competition standards, management, and network of cooperation with sports organizations worldwide.
Moreover, IYBC 2026 received a prestigious global award in the Sports & Fitness category (Top 100 Sports & Fitness) from the Top 100 Business Institute.
It has also attracted excellent participation with a total of 93 teams from 12 countries,
one U.S. territory, and two special administrative regions of China: Guam (U.S.), South Korea, Taiwan, Nepal, the Philippines, Mongolia, Macau (China), Malaysia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong (China), and Thailand.
The competition is divided into four age groups: boys' under-12,
boys' and girls' under-14, boys' and girls' under-16, and boys' and girls' under-18, providing youth in each age group the opportunity to fully develop and showcase their talents.
"In the boys' under-16 and under-18 categories, divisions are organized so teams can register according to their skill level, ensuring every team gains appropriate experience and skill development in competition," she explained.
The 2026 International Youth Basketball Championships (IYBC 2026) is not only a platform to find winners but also serves as a learning venue—a bridge of friendship connecting countries, facilitating cultural exchange, inspiring new generations, and acting as a key mechanism to develop Thai youth basketball and elevate Thailand as a center for international youth basketball competitions.