Vietnam has been assigned to host the second International Basketball Association (FIBA) Asia Championship in Nha Trang from October 18-28.

  The Vietnam Basketball Federation (VBF) said it’s the first time Vietnam has hosted an FIBA Asia event.

The World U-17 Championship qualifiers will see 16 teams competing in four groups at Nha Trang Gymnasium.

 Last year, the VBF also organised its first national U17 tournament in Hanoi.

 Basketball is popular in universities and colleges throughout the country.

 The VBF estimates that there are approximately 6,000 amateur players across the country, 100 of whom play professionally for eight men’s and five women’s teams.

 The federation wants to increase the number of regular players to 10,000 by the end of 2012, which it hopes will lead to the discovery of fresh talent.

 Basketball centres have opened up in HCM City, Soc Trang and Anti-Aircraft Air Force for national squad players.

 (VNA/VOVNews)