Starlight 2026 Concludes Successfully in Singapore

Fourth edition expands beyond competition with The Starlight Huddle, player development workshops and growing international participation

SINGAPORE, August 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- SINGAPORE, 16 August 2026 — The Starlight International Youth Basketball Open (SIYBO) 2026 concluded on Sunday after three days of international youth basketball at ActiveSG Bukit Canberra Sport Hall, bringing together 50 teams from 10 countries and regions.

Held from 14 to 16 August, the fourth edition welcomed teams from Singapore, Spain, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Macau and Chinese Taipei, competing across boys’, girls’ and mixed divisions from U10 to U15.

Sanctioned by FIBA Asia and supported by Sport Singapore and the Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS), Starlight 2026 continued the tournament’s growth not only in scale and international participation, but also in the range of experiences offered to players, coaches and team leaders.

# Beyond the Games

A major addition this year was **The Starlight Huddle — Coaches’ Night**, a welcome evening for coaches and team leaders from participating delegations.

Away from the intensity of competition, the gathering gave coaches who would normally meet across opposing benches a rare opportunity to connect informally, exchange ideas and build friendships with counterparts from different countries and basketball cultures.

Starlight 2026 also introduced two player development workshops. On 14 August, a session led by the head coach of a participating Japanese team attracted more than 100 registrations. On 15 August, a second workshop led by Singapore national team players attracted more than 50 registrations.

Together, The Starlight Huddle and the workshops reflected the tournament’s evolution beyond scheduled games — creating more opportunities for the youth basketball community to compete, learn and connect across borders.

“Four years ago, we started Starlight with a simple belief that basketball could bring young people from different countries together,” said Adam Chen, Founder of SIYBO and Chairman of the Organising Committee.

“Competition will always be at the heart of the tournament, but what happens beyond the scoreboard matters too. The Starlight Huddle allowed coaches and team leaders to meet as friends, while our workshops gave young players the opportunity to learn from different basketball cultures.”

“Our ambition is to make Starlight a place where the region’s youth basketball community comes together every year — **to compete, to learn, to connect and to grow**.”

# Four Years of Growing Impact

Since its inaugural edition four years ago, Starlight has steadily expanded its international reach and programme offering. The 2026 edition marked its broadest international field to date, with 50 teams representing 10 countries and regions.

The tournament officially opened on 14 August, with Mr Foo Cexiang, Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, attending as Guest of Honour, alongside Counsellor Kang Yiming of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore and guests from the sporting, business and community sectors.

The Opening Ceremony also featured special video messages from Chinese basketball greats Yao Ming, Liu Yudong and Zhang Zhaoxu, who encouraged the participating young athletes to compete with passion, integrity and sportsmanship.

# Strong Support Behind Starlight

The Organising Committee expressed its appreciation to FIBA Asia, Sport Singapore and the Basketball Association of Singapore for their recognition and support.

Homegrown global technology company Sea supported Starlight 2026 as Main Sponsor . The Organising Committee also thanked China Life Singapore for its continued support as Strategic Partner; Wildlook Tech and Singus Holding as Diamond Sponsors; and K Star Entertainment, Aspine Wellness and FMI Japan, together with all other sponsors and partners.

Special appreciation was also extended to approximately 80 Team Nila volunteers, as well as referees, coaches, team managers, parents, venue staff and members of the organising team.

“The support of our partners allows us not only to deliver the tournament, but also to invest in programmes and experiences that create greater value for young athletes and the wider basketball community,” Chen said.

#The Next Chapter for Starlight

With its fourth edition completed, Starlight is preparing for its fifth year. The 2027 edition is scheduled for 13 to 15 August 2027 at Punggol Regional Sport Centre.

The Organising Committee plans to continue strengthening international participation while expanding player development, coaching exchange and community programmes. Further details will be announced in the coming months.

#About Starlight

The Starlight International Youth Basketball Open (SIYBO / 星光国际青少年篮球公开赛) is an annual international youth basketball tournament held in Singapore. Founded to provide young athletes with opportunities for meaningful international competition, Starlight brings together teams from Singapore, across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond through basketball, cultural exchange and sportsmanship.

SIYBO 2026 was sanctioned by FIBA Asia and supported by Sport Singapore and the Basketball Association of Singapore. Singapore-based Touchdown Sports Pte. Ltd. is the organiser and rights holder of the tournament.

#Media Contact

**Communication Team, SIYBO**
Email: media@siybo.org
Website: http://www.siybo.org

Rachel
Touchdown Sports
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok