PH bids to co-host 2023 FIBA World Cup

FILE: Gilas’ Jean Marc Pingris against Hamed Haddadi. Photo by Dennis Sabangan, EPA.

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has given his support to the country’s bid to co-host the 2023 Internationa Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup.

Duterte welcomed the three-man FIBA Evaluation Commission at the Mahogany Room of the Manila Hotel where they proceeded upon arrival on Thursday night.

FIBA Central Board and Commission president Hamane Niang of Mali, FIBA Central Board member and treasurer Ingo Weiss of Germany and advisor to the FIBA secretary-general Lubomir Kotleba of Slovak Republic will inspect the Philippine International Convention Center, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Mall of Asia Arena and the Philippine Arena — the facilities which are being considered as venue for the most prestigious international tournament in basketball.

The FIBA officials were accompanied by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.

Also present were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go, SBP president Al Panlilio, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios and SBP deputy executive director for international affairs Butch Antonio.

According to Malacanang, Duterte has favored the Philippines’ bid to co-host the 2023 FIBA World Cup to promote basketball and tourism.

“This hosting is very rare and it will unify the country and will have positive impact on basketball and tourism,” said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Saturday.

After the inspection, the FIBA Evaluation Commission will make its recommendation to the FIBA Central Board. The decision will be announced in December.

The Philippines, along with Japan and Indonesia, is up against Russia (singe host bidder), Turkey (single host bidder) and Uruguay and Argentina (co-host bidders).

The Philippines has hosted the FIBA World Cup in 1978, while Japan played host in 2006.

Argentina staged the inaugural 1950 and 1990 editions, Uruguay was host in 1967 and Turkey hosted the 2010 edition.

Indonesia and Russia have never hosted the competition, which is held every four years.

The 2023 FIBA World Cup, which features the 32 teams, is also the qualifying tournament for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. (PNA)