Taipei: President Lai Ching-te announced that a basketball competition on Ketagalan Boulevard starting Saturday marks the beginning of the road’s transformation into a “cultural plaza.” His statement was released by the Presidential Office ahead of the inaugural Presidential Cup 3×3 Basketball Finals, held on the boulevard in front of the Presidential Office through Sunday.

According to Focus Taiwan, President Lai committed to expanding the tournament, which will initially feature 72 teams from around Taiwan competing in their respective divisions, into an “international invitational event” in the future. While Ketagalan Boulevard has traditionally been a symbol of political activity, Lai envisions it hosting more nonpolitical events like sports, music, art performances, and creative markets.

Lai emphasized that Ketagalan Boulevard should be integral to daily life and not just historical. He also mentioned the upcoming Presidential Cup Street Dance Finals, set to take place on the boulevard on Nov. 16, encouraging youth to showcase their creativity and energy.

The Ministry of Sports organized the 2025 Presidential Cup competitions to commemorate its establishment on Sept. 9. Lai initially announced his ambition to create “a new ministry of sports and physical education” in November 2023 as part of his campaign for the 2024 presidential election.