Could the dream of hosting the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in South Korea become a reality?
The 'NH Nonghyup Bank FIBA 3x3 Hongcheon Challenger 2025' concluded its splendid run at the Hongcheon Comprehensive Gymnasium on the 10th. This tournament, organized by the Korea 3x3 Basketball Federation (KXO), Hongcheon County, and the Hongcheon County Council, was held for the first time in Korea for three consecutive years.
In the final match, Hangzhou (China) kissed the championship trophy after defeating Laudonbaris (Lithuania) 21-17. Hangzhou showcased remarkable performance, winning the semifinals and finals with only three players after Gorana Vidovich's departure in the quarterfinals.
Hongcheon was buzzing with the excitement of basketball throughout the weekend. The NH Nonghyup Bank 2025 KXO 3x3 Hongcheon Light Quest took place on the 11th at the special court in the Tori Forest City Forest Park in Hongcheon County, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Twelve teams were divided into four groups to compete in the preliminaries, leading to eight teams advancing to the tournament for the championship.
In the final match, Widerrecht (Netherlands) secured victory against Jump Shot (Singapore) 21-17. The winning team Widerrecht received a qualification for the Jakarta Challenger.
For the first time in South Korea, two international 3x3 basketball tournaments were held in Hongcheon for three days. Throughout the three days, the enthusiastic atmosphere was relayed to fans through broadcasts. It was KBS N's Kim Ki-woong and Park Chan-woong who provided the commentary. Known as a basketball enthusiast, Kim Ki-woong received praise from both officials and fans for his immersive commentary and expertise.
He was asked about his impressions of covering the Hongcheon Challenger for three consecutive years. Kim Ki-woong noted, “It was a great experience for me as an announcer who loves basketball. The Hongcheon Challenger and Light Quest are the main courses that occur once a year. The event continues to grow by inviting high-level international players consistently. The fact that good teams continue to come to Korea signifies that the tournament is developing.”
Of course, there were some disappointing aspects. It rained in Hongcheon on the 9th and 10th, making it impossible to hold the tournament on outdoor courts. The organizers had no choice but to quickly change the venue to the Hongcheon Comprehensive Gymnasium. The Light Quest on the 11th was conducted on the outdoor court, although the semifinals were momentarily halted due to rain.
Kim Ki-woong said, “Fortunately, it was passing rain. To further develop the tournament, it would be great to have a dedicated venue for 3x3 basketball where we could host a World Tour. Watching the Paris Olympics, it was a semi-open venue, so it was fine even with rain. If a state-of-the-art dedicated venue that can become a landmark in Hongcheon is built, FIBA will also take a keen interest.”
The Hongcheon Challenger has continued to develop by being held for three consecutive years. Hongcheon County is also pushing for the construction of a dedicated venue for 3x3 basketball. Soon, the highest-level 3x3 basketball tournament, the 'World Tour', may be held in Korea.
Kim noted, “I watched the 2025 Utsunomiya World Tour on YouTube. I hope to experience a high-level World Tour in person someday. Furthermore, if the World Tour is held in Korea, I hope the day will come when I can hold the microphone and provide commentary myself.”
[OSEN]