The event, which is a lead-up to next year's International Wheelchair Basketball Federation world cup in England, will feature Japan, China, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia and Australia, the No. 1 ranked country in the world.

Dandenong Basketball Association general manager Graeme Allen said the event was right up there with the Paralympics. "Of all wheelchair sports around the world, like rugby and tennis, basketball has by far the highest profile.

"The tournament will bring in excess of 1000 visitors from around the world to the city, plus the teams and support staff. It's a worldwide event in our own backyard and will place the city and the DBA on the world sporting stage. All the Australian games will be televised live on ABC television."

Allen said the DBA's world-class facilities were a major factor in Australia being chosen over Japan.

"After Basketball Australia was successful in its bid, it had to select a venue, and out of all of Australia, they chose the DBA because our facilities are the best in the country. The DBA is thrilled to be entrusted to host the event. We are going to make it an outstanding success."

Allen said the five-day event, which starts on October 13, would feature an opening and closing ceremony and the stadium decked out like an Olympic venue.

Sports Minister James Merlino made the announcement during a tour of the DBA facilities last Thursday.

"This is the perfect opportunity for all Victorians to see our world No. 1 ranked team, the Rollers, mix it with the best of the best from Asia and Oceania on home turf," he said. "In a coup for the sport, the tournament will also have wide media coverage with game highlights across Australia on ABC television."

Basketball Australia chief Larry Sengstock said basketball was the most popular sport at the Beijing Paralympics. "To have the Rollers, who won the gold medal at Beijing, here in Dandenong against the best in the Asia Oceania region will prove a great impetus for the sport in Melbourne and Australia."

Only three of the six countries playing at Dandenong will qualify for the 2010 IWBF world championships in Birmingham, England.