The IYBC 2026 international youth basketball tournament opens grandly with 89 teams competing fiercely for the royal trophies.
The fourth edition of the International Youth Basketball Championship (IYBC) 2026 launched spectacularly with 89 teams from 12 countries, one U.S. territory, and two special administrative regions of China—14 nations in total—vying for the royal trophies bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The International Youth Basketball Championship (IYBC 2026) contends for the royal trophies granted by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The tournament opened with grandeur at the basketball courts of Ruamrudee International School.
Minburi Campus (RIS Ruamrudee International School – Minburi Campus).
The official opening ceremony featured Apinya Meesamsen, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, alongside Sirot Meyot, Director of the Sports Bureau (representing the Director-General of the Department of Physical Education), Chupit Chutitam, competition director, Manit Watthanasarn, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Basketball Association of Thailand, jointly presiding over the opening, together with Reverend Jittapon Plangklang, Director of Ruamrudee International School Minburi Campus.
Also present were executives from government agencies, private sector, sports associations, educational institutions, coaches, athletes, and parents, all attending amid performances reflecting youth energy, cultural diversity, and the spirit of sport.
The opening ceremony was filled with an atmosphere of friendship, excitement, and inspiration among young athletes from around the world.
This year, IYBC 2026 set a record with an outstanding response: 89 teams from 12 countries, one U.S. territory, and two special administrative regions of China, including Guam (U.S. territory), South Korea, Taiwan, Nepal, the Philippines, Mongolia, Macau (China), Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong (China), and Thailand. This reflects the tournament’s growth and the international youth basketball community’s confidence in Thailand as host of this global event.
Chupit Chutitam, competition director, stated that the IYBC, now in its fourth year, aims to promote and develop young basketball players' skills alongside fostering international friendships and cultural exchange. He noted that the participation of 89 teams this year marks another success reflecting Thailand’s rising standards in hosting and the event’s continuous growth.
Sirot Meyot, Director of the Sports Bureau (representing the Director-General of the Department of Physical Education), said the Department prioritizes youth development through sports, especially basketball, which builds physical fitness, discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. He emphasized that IYBC is a vital platform to elevate Thai youth athletes to international competition levels.
Apinya Meesamsen, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, described IYBC 2026 as an opportunity for youth to develop sports skills, learn social coexistence in a global community, and forge cross-border friendships. She praised the cooperation of all sectors that have helped gain international recognition for the tournament.
A source of pride for the event is the royal trophies awarded by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn—four trophies for the winning teams in boys’ and girls’ categories, under-16 and under-18—representing the highest honor of the competition.
Manit Watthanasarn, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Basketball Association of Thailand, said international competitions at the youth level play a crucial role in athlete development by enhancing skills, experience, and readiness for elite sports. He expressed confidence that IYBC will be a key platform to raise Thai youth basketball to global standards.
Reverend Jittapon Plangklang, Director of Ruamrudee International School Minburi Campus, said the school warmly welcomes teams from many countries and is honored to host the event. He believes that sports and education are fundamental to youth development and that the competition will create valuable experiences, friendships, and cross-cultural understanding for all participants.
The International Youth Basketball Championships 2026 (IYBC 2026) take place from 24–28 July 2026 at Ruamrudee International School Minburi Campus and the Swiss Section, featuring 89 teams from 12 countries, one U.S. territory, and two special administrative regions of China. This marks a significant step in advancing Thai youth basketball to the international stage and reinforces Thailand’s role as a hub for international youth sports competitions in Asia.