13TH ANNUAL CHINA ENTERPRISES BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SERVES OFF IN DAR

    

By Staff Writer

 The 13th Annual China Enterprises Basketball Tournament officially began on Saturday at Don Bosco Grounds, Oysterbay, bringing together Chinese enterprises in Tanzania for 8 days of competition aimed at promoting unity and sportsmanship.

The tournament was officially declared open by Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Permanent Secretary Gerson Msigwa who is also Government Spokesperson in the presence of Her Excellency Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania, Mr. Jiang Yuntao, Chairman of Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania), and Ester Manase, Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania.

According to the organisers, the tournament will run from August 1 to August 8, 2026. Matches are scheduled for Saturday August 1, Sunday August 2, Tuesday August 4, Thursday August 6, Friday August 7, and Saturday August 8 at Don Bosco Court. The finals and closing ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 8.

Each team is allowed to register up to 16 players. All games will be played under FIBA rules with 4 quarters of 10 minutes each. Referees for the tournament will be provided by the Tanzania Basketball Association.

Speaking at the opening, Mr. Jiang Yuntao said the tournament has become an important platform for cooperation among Chinese enterprises. "Over the years, this basketball tournament has become an important platform for unity, cooperation, and team spirit among Chinese enterprises in Tanzania. It is also an opportunity for us to integrate with the local community," Mr. Jiang said.

Hon. Msigwa noted the importance of sports in bilateral relations. "China and Tanzania enjoy a long-standing comprehensive strategic partnership. Events like this today are among the strongest bonds of friendship and cooperation between the people of Tanzania and our friends from China," he said.

H.E. Ambassador Chen Mingjian commended the organisers and sponsors. "The relationship between China and Tanzania grows stronger through moments like these, where sport unites us in a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect," she said.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania is among the main sponsors of this year’s tournament with a TZS 30 million contribution and is also participating with its own team. Ester Manase said the Bank values the platform for engaging the Chinese business community. "By taking part as both sponsor and competitor, we are demonstrating that our engagement is genuine and enduring," she said.