sport

Seventy Asian Youth Basketball Teams Battle for Titles in Bangkok July

Seventy teams from across Asia-Oceania will compete for royal trophies at Ruamrudee International School campuses from July 24 to 28.

By Bangkok Sport Desk · Published July 25, 2026

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The International Youth Basketball Championships 2026 opens in Bangkok on July 24 with 70 teams from Asia-Oceania set to compete through July 28 at the Ruamrudee International School campuses. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will award the royal trophies at the conclusion of the tournament.

Event Schedule and Format

The five-day schedule places the focus on youth development across multiple age groups. Matches will run on the school campuses with daily sessions leading to finals on the final day. The event stands as the main youth basketball gathering in the city for the period.

Supporting Infrastructure Upgrades

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has directed more than 353 million baht in 2025 toward sports pitches, centers and public areas after facility usage rose 17 percent in 2024. The 'Dream Stadium' project continues to convert under-expressway spaces into additional youth sports hubs while work proceeds on 204 sports grounds citywide. Separate upgrades began in March 2026 at the Prachaniwet Sports Center in Chatuchak District.

Broader Youth Sports Programs

Alongside the basketball championships, the 'Sport Is Your Gang' initiative and the second Bangkok Urban Youth Tournament continue to offer futsal, 3x3 basketball and muaythai. A new sports hall at Benjakitti Park, handed over by the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and ThaiBev, provides daily free sessions in yoga, volleyball and spin biking from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The Sports Authority of Thailand has outlined plans to convert the 50,000-seat Rajamangala National Stadium into a smart stadium.

Usage of public sports facilities reached more than 11 million visits in 2024 after the 17 percent increase, prompting the additional funding round. The Sapsiree Badminton Academy is scheduled to open at The O2 Bangkok near MRT Bang O Station in June 2026.

Next Steps for Participants and Spectators

Teams and supporters can prepare for the July 24 opening by checking venue access details at the Ruamrudee International School campuses. Ongoing BMA facility improvements and the new hall at Benjakitti Park remain available for training and additional youth sessions in the lead-up to the event.