Basketball tourney marks start of Ketagalan Blvd's transformation: Lai

Taipei, Oct. 31 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Friday a basketball competition on the Ketagalan Boulevard starting Saturday would mark the beginning of the road's transformation into a "cultural plaza."

His remarks came in a statement released by the Presidential Office ahead of the inaugural Presidential Cup 3x3 Basketball Finals, which will take place on the boulevard in front of the Presidential Office through Sunday.

Lai pledged to expand the tournament, whose inaugural edition will feature 72 teams from around Taiwan vying for titles in their respective divisions, into an "international invitational event" in the future.

While Ketagalan Boulevard has been a longstanding symbol of political activities in Taiwan, Lai said he believes more nonpolitical events should take place there, such as sports, music, art performances, and creative markets.

"Ketagalan Boulevard should not just be a part of our history, but a part of our lives," Lai is quoted as saying in the statement.

He added that the Presidential Cup Street Dance Finals will also take place on the boulevard on Nov. 16, and he hopes to see young people express their creativity and energy.

The Ministry of Sports organized the 2025 Presidential Cup competitions to celebrate its inauguration on Sept. 9.

Lai first announced his vision to launch "a new ministry of sports and physical education" in November 2023 as one of his campaign pledges for the 2024 presidential election.