Basketball's world governing body FIBA celebrated the first-ever World Basketball Day on Thursday.

A giant FIBA Basketball World Cup themed display is seen in Pasay City, the Philippines, Aug. 24, 2023. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be held from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, 2023.(Photo: Xinhua)

On December 21, 1891, the first game of basketball took place in Springfield, the United States after Dr James Naismith invented the sport.

On August 25, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly passed the A/RES/77/324 resolution, establishing World Basketball Day on December 21.

The celebration featured a number of activities, including a special event at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball with guests from partners, UN, International Olympic Committee and International Federations.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said in a statement, "We are tremendously proud of the establishment of World Basketball Day and very grateful to the UN and other partner organizations who continue to recognize the positive role that basketball plays for millions of different people living around the globe."

Director-General of the United Nations at Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, was quoted as saying in the statement, "Aligning perfectly with our 2030 Agenda, basketball serves as a powerful enabler in driving sustainable development. It's not just a game but a platform that changes perceptions, challenges prejudices, and unites communities worldwide."