PH will join bidding to host FIBA 2019

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MANILA – According to several reports, the Philippines’ basketball federation will be joining the bidding to host the 2019 World Cup.

“The hard work begins to perfect our bid offer… [Basketball Federation of the Philippines president Manny V. Pangilinan] considers it a big challenge. He wants us not only to work hard but also to work together as a team. That means mobilizing the resources of the MVP Group, TV5, Octagon and DDB,” SBP executive director Sonny Barrios earlier said.

“This early, he wants us to prioritize marketing, how to generate advertisers and sponsors for the event. In a way, FIBA’s selection of the Philippines as a finalist is a breakthrough. It’s become clear that we’re definitely in the running,” he added.

Boxing champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is rumored to be backing the Philippines in the bidding and will be persuading the FIBA to choose our country as host to the 2019 tournament.

Not known to many, Pacquiao also plays basketball and even instructs a professional basketball team as its head coach.

Former Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes will also be backing the bid, hoping to be awarded with the hosting.

“With the World Cup 2019, we are not only able to show the world what the sport means to the Philippines, but the opportunity to host a world-class competition like this will further inspire Filipinos both in the Philippines and the 10 million across the globe to chase their dreams,” Reyes said.

“We also believe that it will offer similar inspiration to other players right across Asia,” he added.

Bids to host the tournament will be presented in Japan next month.