- 22
- Dec.
- 2024
Akram Halabi was re-elected on Sunday for a third term as president of the Lebanese Basketball Federation. With a strong track record and renewed ambitions, he promises to continue strengthening a sport that has become a symbol of national cohesion and resilience.
In a context where stability is crucial for the development of sports in Lebanon, Akram Halabi was reelected on Sunday as president of the Lebanese Basketball Federation for a third four-year term. The election was marked by record club participation and unanimous confidence in his list, elected by acclamation during the general assembly held at Antranik Club (Demirdjian Center – Dekwaneh).
Exceptional Club Mobilization
The electoral assembly brought together 109 clubs, distributed across four divisions:
- 11 first-division clubs
- 14 second-division clubs
- 15 third-division clubs
- 69 fourth-division clubs
Ibrahim Menassa, delegate of the Maristes – Dekwaneh Club and the eldest member present, confirmed the quorum before announcing the withdrawal of candidacies from Nemer Jabr and Faraj Aad. This withdrawal allowed Halabi's list to win the election unopposed.
“This mobilization reflects widespread confidence in our vision and actions,” Halabi told the press, adding, “Continuity is essential to consolidate achievements and face future challenges.”
Achievements that Speak for Themselves
During the ordinary assembly preceding the election, Halabi highlighted the key achievements of his previous term:
- Notable international results, including Lebanon’s early qualification for the 2025 Asia Cup.
- Infrastructure development, with the renovation of several courts and the organization of over 6,000 matches annually.
- The creation of U14 teams for the first time and the training of coaches and referees through specialized academies.
- A record television sponsorship deal, the highest in Lebanese sports history, which helped reduce the Federation’s debts.
Halabi also emphasized the importance of maintaining the sport’s neutrality: “We have successfully kept Lebanese basketball away from political and sectarian divisions, a challenge that remains at the heart of our mission.”
Collective Leadership for the Next Steps
After the election, members of the list held a meeting to distribute key positions within the Federation. The final composition reflects a balanced distribution of responsibilities:
- Akram Halabi remains president.
- Doumit Kallab became first vice president, supported by three other vice presidents.
- Master Charbel Michel Rizk retained his position as secretary-general, while Vicken Jerejian was appointed treasurer.
The re-elected president highlighted the importance of this collective leadership: “Each member has a key role to play in advancing our projects, and I am confident this team will rise to the challenges.”
Building a Future on Solid Foundations
With this third term, Halabi and his team face high expectations. Among their priorities:
- Developing regional competitions.
- Increasing youth participation.
- Attracting more sponsors to support the clubs.
The unanimous confidence expressed by the clubs during this election is a clear endorsement of the Federation’s ambitions. However, in a fragile economic and social environment, the road ahead remains challenging.
As Halabi concluded, “We have achieved a lot, but the best is yet to come. Lebanese basketball deserves to be a benchmark, not only regionally but also globally.”
A Vision for the Future
With a strong track record and an ambitious vision, Halabi and his team have the opportunity to transform Lebanese basketball into a regional model. In an uncertain national context, every victory will count, bringing them a step closer to achieving this goal.
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