July 05, 2022
PR65-S09

40th anniversary of the partnership with FIBA

At the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Switzerland (May 16, 2022)

This year, Molten Corporation (Headquarters: Nishi-ku, Hiroshima City, Japan; President and CEO:Kiyo Tamiaki), a manufacturer of competition quality sports balls and equipment, will celebrate its 40thanniversary since supplying its first official game ball to FIBA (the International Basketball Federation,Headquarters: Mies, Switzerland; Secretary General: Andreas Zagklis) at the 1982 FIBA WorldChampionship (currently FIBA Basketball World Cup). During this 40-year partnership, we havecreated a number of memorable moments in the world of international basketball and have continued
the challenge of reaching new heights. Molten will continue to combine its innovative technology andexcellent craftmanship to always provide the highest quality basketballs to FIBA and the world’s top
basketball players.
Comment from Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General
Molten has always set out to be innovative and to attain excellence, and has been working closely with
us for 40 years to achieve this. As FIBA's longest-standing partner, they have always been an importantand valuable member of the FIBA Family. Molten basketballs are a crucial element for us as we attempt
to take the game to new heights. I thank them for their commitment to basketball and to FIBA.

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Comment from Kiyo Tamiaki, President and CEO of Molten Corporation
I am honored to be involved in creating the official game ball for the international competitions held by
FIBA using the special design embodying the championship’s brand identity. Molten continuously
pursues technological innovation and outstanding achievements, and for that purpose, we have beenworking in close cooperation with FIBA. I would like to once again take this opportunity to express mygratitude to Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and everyone involved with FIBA.
Molten will continue to develop and provide products with sophisticated design and superb functionality
for the entire basketball community and continue efforts to realize its commitment to the brandstatement, “For the real game.” History of partnership between FIBA and Molten
Molten’s basketball was adopted as FIBA’s official gameball for the first time at the 1982 FIBA WorldChampionship (currently FIBA Basketball World Cup) inColombia.
The official game ball for the 2019 FIBA Basketball
World Cup was created using Molten’s latest innovation.
The ball was developed after conducting a wide rangeof tests based on valuable feedback collected fromplayers through cooperation by FIBA. The ball features
remarkably enhanced control and grip, as well as the1982 FIBA World Championshipofficial game ballauthentic feel of natural leather, and players have rated
this ball highly.

 Recent initiatives taken by FIBA andMolten
In recent years, with the aim of supporting thedevelopment of women’s basketball, which FIBA has
positioned as a poriority strategy, a unique campaign isbeing implemented in Australia where the FIBA

2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup official
game ball

Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 is scheduled tobe held.
Molten Ball Relay
This program will deliver supportive messages fromjunior female basketball players from 20 club teams inAustralia to the 12 national teams competing in theworld cup.
Molten Ball Relay

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Women’s local champion programThis activity will select women who are working on promoting women’s advancement, such as femalecoaches, referees, and managers, by nomination from all over Australia, and introduce their efforts.
The lucky three champions will be selected and invited to Sydney where the FIBA Women’s Basketball
World Cup is being held and meet Michele Timms, a former basketball player on the Australian national
women’s basketball team who was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame. In addition, they will be able toreceive guidance from coaches and managers that are active on the front lines of the sport. FIBA andMolten will continue supporting the advancement of women who work hard to further develop women’sbasketball.

 About FIBA
FIBA (the International Basketball Federation) is an international basketball association.
It was established in 1932 and now has 212 national basketball federations around the world asmembers. It holds international competitions such as the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the FIBA 3x3
World Cup. URL: https://www.fiba.basketball/ About Molten
Molten is a manufacturer of competition quality sports balls and equipment since 1958, and has been
manufacturing and selling game balls for basketball, handball, soccer, and volleyball based on
uncompromising quality.
Molten creates the official game balls and other innovative products such as sports equipment that areused in international competitions, world’s top leagues and teams, and continues to increase the levelof quality as the global standard.
Please visit our website for more details. URL: https://www.molten.co.jp/sports/en/

 About “For the real game”
Molten’s brand statement, “For the real game,” encapsulates what we hope to accomplish through ourproducts and activities. It’s a testament to our conviction and attitude that the real game happens only
when impeccable balls and sports equipment enable athletes to realize their full potential and maximize
performance.
We are committed to this brand statement and will continue our business activities by manufacturinghigh quality products.

■Product image data (JPEG) is also available

Contact: Takeshi Fuki
International Market Sales & Marketing Department
Sports Division
Molten Corporation
Tel: (+81-3)3625-7648
Fax: (+81-3)3625-7738

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