SBP says preparations for 2023 Fiba World Cup continues amid pandemic

July 8 ------ DESPITE the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, preparations for the tri-country hosting of the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup continues. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive Renauld Barrios said meetings between the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia have been going on in relation to the World Cup despite the pandemic.

However, events in relation to the build-up for the World Cup for this year have no specific dates because of the health crisis. Barrios said the World Cup 2023 logo unveiling as well as the draw ceremony for the qualifiers are expected to be held this year.

“’Yan ang isa sa mga maagang topics,” said Barrios, referring to the event logo, during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. “’Yun ngang logo, meron na kaming napili but still confidential. May napili na ang tatlong bayan but subject to the formal approval by the Fiba Central Board.” “Pinag-uusapan ‘yung launching na originally set for September this year. ‘Yung launching na ‘yan, very tentative pa at pinag-uusapan pa kung may actual physical event or digital na lang for safety purposes,” said Barrios.

“’Yung draw ceremony, supposedly around last quarter of this year, very tentative pa ‘yun. At pinag-uusapan pa ‘yug draw ceremony, baka digital draw ceremony na lang,” he said. Despite the COVID-19 situation, Barrios said SBP official Manny V. Pangilinan has directed local officials to be active in discussing plans with he co-hosts. “Maya’t maya, may meeting kami with Fiba. Nagmi-meeting kami with Japan and Indonesia upon the encouragement of MVP. [He’s been telling us] wag ninyong kausapin ang Japan and Indonesia only if Fiba wants a video call. Dapat on our own initiative, nag-uusap tayong magpapartner at nageexchange notes tayo,” he said.

Source: spin.ph