There is a reason why basketball fans gather in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province.
The 'NH Nonghyup Bank FIBA 3x3 Hongcheon Challenger 2025' concluded its two-day tournament at the Hongcheon Comprehensive Gymnasium on the 10th. This event, hosted by the Korea 3x3 Basketball Federation (KXO), Hongcheon County, the Hongcheon County Council, and the Hongcheon County Sports Council, is the first of its kind in the country to be held three consecutive years.
An all-time classic match unfolded in the final. Hangzhou (China) kissed the championship trophy after defeating Roudonbaris (Lithuania) 21-17. Hangzhou achieved this remarkable win with only three players after Goran Vidovitch's disqualification in the quarterfinals.
It is close to a miracle that three players won two games in a row without substitutions in the physically demanding 3x3 basketball format. Basketball fans gathered in Hongcheon were deeply moved by Hangzhou's dramatic comeback victory.
Philippe Kaludorovich, who scored eight points including the winning shot in the final, was named the tournament MVP. He noted, "I can't express the feeling of winning in words. The feeling of winning with three people is really special. I will never forget the special memories from Hongcheon."
The show is not over yet. On the 11th, the KXO 3x3 Light Quest will be held at the Hongcheon Forest Park. It is the first time that two international tournaments are being held consecutively over three days in Korea. This recognizes the capability of Hongcheon County and KXO to host major events.
The Light Quest will feature a total of 12 teams competing for the championship, including the winner of the Hongcheon Challenger 2025, Hangzhou, along with the Korean representatives Seoul Cosmos and Hongcheon.
Twelve teams will be divided into four groups for the preliminary rounds, with the final champion determined through an eight-team tournament. Particularly, on Sunday, the tournament will be held on outdoor courts, exciting basketball fans. KXO has significantly upgraded the venue with generous support from Hongcheon County.
Hongcheon County Mayor Shin Young-jae remarked, "The holding of the Hongcheon Challenger has a tremendous promotional effect for Hongcheon. Hongcheon has become well-known abroad, and its brand value has increased. I hope the athletes gathered from around the world achieve good results."
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