BEIRUT (Lebanon) - The FIBA family mourns the passing of Dato' Yeoh Choo Hock, FIBA Asia Secretary General Emeritus and a legendary figure in Asian basketball, who passed away this morning at the age of 80.
With over 30 years in basketball administration, Dato' Yeoh was an essential part of the sport's growth and development in Malaysia and Asia. Serving as Secretary General of FIBA Asia from 1998 to 2012, his influence reached every level of the game. Honored with the title of Secretary General Emeritus of FIBA Asia since 2012, Dato' Yeoh’s leadership also included his role as Secretary General of the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) from 1994 to 2006, and he served as FIBA Vice-President from 2003 to 2006. He was also the Secretary General of the Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA) from 1990 to 2007 and Vice President from 2008 to 2009.
During his tenure as Secretary General, the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) was renamed as FIBA Asia in 2002, a milestone in the region's basketball history. It was also during his time as Secretary General that the first-ever FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup took place (2004).
“Dato’ Yeoh’s passing is a deeply sad day for me personally and for the entire FIBA family. He will forever be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of basketball in Asia. It was an honor to work alongside him,” said FIBA Regional Office - Asia Executive Director, Hagop Khajirian.
“He was a warm and kind individual, highly respected and admired by his colleagues and the basketball fraternity across Asia and beyond.”
“My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
Dato' Yeoh’s achievements as an administrator included organizing landmark events, such as the Women's Basketball World Cup 1990 in Malaysia. His dedication to promoting international basketball was unwavering, highlighted by his service as a FIBA Commissioner at four Olympic Games and multiple FIBA Basketball World Cups.
His unwavering commitment to basketball made him a visionary leader, mentor, and an inspiration to sports administrators, players, coaches, and fans in Asia.
The entire FIBA family extends its heartfelt condolences to Dato' Yeoh's family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy of tireless dedication and profound impact on basketball in Asia, and beyond will be remembered for generations to come.
FIBA