look news india
Hong Kong, 15 April (Hong Kong). Latvia men's and Azerbaijan women's 3×3 teams qualified for the Paris Olympics after winning the first FIBA 3×3 Olympic qualifying tournament here on Sunday.
The Universality-run Olympic Tournament 1 (UOQT 1) in Hong Kong featured eight teams each in both men's and women's categories, with the winners of each category qualifying directly for Paris 2024.
In the men's category, defending gold medalist Latvia secured their place at the Olympics with a 19-14 win over Austria. Norris Mizis was once again the team's star player as he averaged five points and seven rebounds in the finals, earning him the MVP of the event.
Latvia joins the list of Serbia, United States and China who have qualified directly for Paris 2024 based on the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking as of November 1, 2023.
In the women's category, Azerbaijan defeated Poland 18–17 in a thrilling match under the leadership of Tiffany Hayes, who scored six points in the final. Hayes earned MVP honors for his team after scoring 32 points in a stellar tournament game.
Azerbaijan has now joined China, America and France in the list of qualifiers for the Paris Olympics.
The Universiade-run Olympic Tournament 2 will be held from May 3 to 5 in Utsunomiya, Japan, before the final tournament takes place in Debrecen, Hungary from May 16 to 19. The winners in Japan and the top three teams from both categories in Hungary will qualify for Paris 2024.