On September 22, 2024, Bluport Hua Hin Shopping Mall, in collaboration with Thai Life Insurance Public Company Limited, The Legend Arena, Proud Group, and the Basketball Association of Thailand, hosted the first-ever indoor 3X3 basketball tournament in Hua Hin. The event, titled “Bluport Basketball 3X3 Championship 2024 Presented by Thai Life Insurance,” brought together over 100 athletes competing for prize money totaling more than 120,000 baht.
Mr. Chokchai Wongjakraphat presided over the opening ceremony, joined by View Yaowapha Burapolchai, Executive of The Legend Arena, and Mr. Piyapong Pirun, Secretary-General of the Basketball Association of Thailand. They encouraged the participants, reflecting the event’s focus on youth development and the growth of the 3X3 basketball format in Thailand. The competition aimed to not only develop talent from the youth level to the professional stage but also to upgrade local sports personnel to meet international standards.
The tournament was held from September 21-22 and adhered to international regulations, with teams participating from various provinces across Thailand. It also featured rising star teams from the Thai Basketball League (BTL), heightening the excitement for spectators. The opening ceremony included a performance by a youth group from Dance Arena, adding entertainment to the event.
The results for the 18-year-old male category saw Arena Hua Hin take the championship with a 21-16 victory over Suankularb, while Saraburi JR claimed third place by defeating Arun Pradit School 21-6. In the female 18-year-old category, Bester edged out JINGJAI 8-6. In the public category, TGE Eagles won the male division by defeating Hitech Titans 20-14, and CT Sripatum secured victory in the female division against FBA – ACADEMY 19-21. Nom Pang ISB took third place in the female public category, defeating SPU Basketball Club 14-12.
The event was an important initiative for Hua Hin’s tourism and economy, reinforcing the city’s aspiration to become a recognized sports destination. Bluport Hua Hin and its partners hope this competition will pave the way for Hua Hin to emerge as a key player in sports tourism, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.
