As days pass and years go by, your memory remains alive in our hearts. Antoine Choueiri—a name etched in the annals of Lebanese sports, a symbol of excellence whose legacy in basketball will stand the test of time. Today, on the anniversary of your passing, we reflect on the extraordinary journey that reshaped Lebanese sports and elevated the nation’s name on regional and international stages.
In the history of nations, some men leave a fleeting impact, while others build a legacy that time cannot erase. Antoine Choueiri belonged to the latter—an icon whose influence extended beyond sports, a visionary who crafted a glory that generations will remember for decades.
Choueiri was not just a club president or a supporter of Lebanese basketball; he was a transformative force. He turned basketball from a mere competition into a platform that showcased Lebanon on the world stage. Under his leadership, Sagesse Club became a powerhouse—not just in Lebanon, but across the Arab world and Asia.
For years, we battled on the court. The clashes between Sagesse and Al Riyadi were more than just games; they were electrifying contests that kept fans on edge. Yet, through all the rivalry, mutual respect and sportsmanship remained intact. We may have been opponents in competition, but we all recognized Antoine Choueiri as a cornerstone of Lebanese basketball’s golden era. He raised the bar for excellence, leaving behind a legacy of ambition and triumph.
His impact on basketball was never just about titles and trophies. He redefined sports management, turning it into a unifying force for Lebanon in times of division. During his era, Sagesse was not merely a club—it was a national institution that brought people together under the banner of success.
On a personal level, Antoine was never just a competitor or rival in the world of sports—he was a friend, despite the different paths we took. We fought fiercely on the court, but behind the scenes, he was a noble man, sincere in his love for the game and for Lebanon. Our conversations were filled with mutual respect, even when we disagreed on strategies, team tactics, or championship aspirations. In the end, we shared a common belief: that the success of any Lebanese club was a victory for Lebanese sports as a whole.
I still remember those long discussions after major games, when we talked about the future of basketball and how to improve it. Antoine had the vision of a leader—strategic, determined, and always thinking ahead. We often disagreed, but he knew how to listen, how to respect differences, and how to turn challenges into opportunities. He was gracious in victory and dignified in defeat. From him, I learned patience and the art of building greatness step by step.
Today, we miss you—not just in sports, but in public life. We miss your wisdom, your leadership, and your relentless passion that made Lebanese basketball a model to follow. Your memory lingers in every game, every championship, and every triumph that Lebanon achieves on the court.
Antoine Choueiri, you may have departed in body, but your spirit remains eternal. You were a pioneer of success and a beacon of leadership. The battles on the court may have ended, but the respect for those who made history never fades.
May you rest in peace, Antoine Choueiri. You will forever be remembered in Lebanese sports and in the hearts of all who loved this game.