Lithuanian PM backs idea to host FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Kaunas

VILNIUS - Lithuanian prime minister Saulius Skvernelis backed the idea to host one of four FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in Kaunas, second-largest city of Lithuania, local media reported on Wednesday.

Skvernelis made the remarks in a letter to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), news agency BNS reported.

"On behalf of the Lithuanian (government), I expressed strong support to the plans by the Lithuanian Basketball Federation to hold the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in June 2020 in Lithuania," Skvernelis was quoted as saying in the letter.

In the letter, the prime minister wished FIBA could give a favorable evaluation of Lithuania's candidacy and promised to provide necessary support to this qualifying tournament.

The Lithuanian national men's basketball team failed to directly qualify for the 12-team Tokyo Olympic Games during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China, thus having to compete in the qualifying tournament in June.

The bidding process to host the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments will begin soon.