World-class players are falling in love with Hongcheon and visiting Korea every year.

'NH Nonghyup Bank FIBA 3x3 Hongcheon Challenger 2025' kicked off with a splendid opening at the Hongcheon Sports Complex on the 9th. Organized by the Korea 3x3 Basketball Federation (KXO), Hongcheon County, and Hongcheon County Council's Hongcheon Sports Council, this tournament is the first in Korea to be held for three consecutive years.

There is a team that has a particularly deep connection to Korea. That is France's Subehni. France has sent a team to the Hongcheon Challenger for three consecutive years. The French players first came to Hongcheon in 2023 and were very pleased with the level and environment of the tournament. This year, Subehni, which won the runner-up at the 2024 FISU 3x3 Basketball University World Cup, came to Korea.

They boasted a special love for Korea by having meetings with KXO officials during their adaptation period before the tournament. They even participated in the Hongcheon Challenger at their own expense. KXO has also been consistently exchanging with Korea, including holding training camps in France.

Subehni consists of France U23 national team members Ambroise Arnaud Balthazar Coutur (22, 200 cm), Yolan Franck Marie Hamon (21, 196 cm), Amiens Aurelien Steven Conan (24, 200 cm), and Joseph Pierre Marie Kouaku (28, 206 cm). They are a tall team with an average height of 200.5 cm.

The level of the Hongcheon Challenger, which has world-class teams, was not to be underestimated. Subehni suffered a heavy loss of 11-21 to Bahrain's Lifa in their first match in Group B. While the individual abilities of Subehni's players were good, Lifa excelled in teamwork.

Subehni had to win the second match to have a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. However, Germany's Baskets Bonn was a tough opponent. The twin towers of Lotimi Sofiane Ougouni (19, 220 cm), the tallest player in the tournament, and Fabian Geisman (20, 205 cm) were formidable. Ultimately, Subehni fell behind 11-21 and was eliminated from the qualifiers with two losses.

After being confirmed out with two losses, captain Kouaku noted, “It was the first time we played as one. It is not easy to compete while traveling around the world. We fought until the last five minutes, but we collapsed. We could have fought better. We need to train more to address our weaknesses.”

Regarding the defeat to the tall German team, Kouaku said, “The German national team players did very well. They were a tough opponent but played good defense. I think it was a good competition,” acknowledging the rival coolly.

Basketball exchanges between France and Korea continue. Kouaku said, “The relationship with Korea is very good. Korean basketball is also continuously developing. We plan to keep exchanging basketball with Korea. I experienced a lot of Korean culture in Hongcheon. I went to a local restaurant to eat bulgogi, and it was very delicious. The chicken was also tasty,” giving a thumbs up.

Subehni will also participate in the Light Quest continuing in Hongcheon on the 11th. Kouaku stated, “We will participate in the tournament on the 11th. Afterwards, we will move to China to compete for a week and then return to France. Competing while traveling around the world is very nice,” showing confidence.

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