IATF gives its go-signal for Clark hosting of FIBA Asia Qualifiers

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has been given clearance by the Inter-Agency Task Force to host the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this coming June in Clark, Pampanga.

The development was announced by Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque Friday afternoon.

“Inaprubahan din po ng inyong IATF ang request ng Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas na maghost ng International Basketball Federation, yung FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers sa June 2021 sa ilalim ng bubble-type setting sa Clark, Pampanga subject to health and safety protocols,”

In a statement, SBP President Al Panlilio has nothing but gratitude for the trust and support of the IATF, PSC, and other relevant agencies towards the SBP’s vision to host a successful and safe final window of the Qualifiers.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas thanks the IATF for approving our hosting of the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers from June 16 to 20 in Clark, Pampanga. We extend our appreciation to PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez and Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Vince Dizon for all their help throughout this process. The SBP has been working with FIBA, government agencies, and other partners to ensure a successful and, more importantly, a safe bubble.”

The Philippines was supposed to host the third and final window of the qualifiers last February. However, travel ban imposed by the Government forced SBP to give up the hosting rights. The event was then moved to Doha, Qatar. However, the Qatari government ordered the event to be canceled due to the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in their country. Finally, after a series of uncertainties clouded the event the past few months, the last tickets for the FIBA Asia Cup will be grabbed in Clark, Pampanga, after all.

The Philippines is set to welcome the 11 visiting nations who comprise the three groups in Clark: Group A, which comprises our very own Gilas Pilipinas, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia; Group B which features China, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Malaysia; and Group C which includes Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Guam. No less than the SBP President is excited for the Visitors to experience the Filipino hospitality that became one of our nation’s brand.

“We’re looking forward to hosting our friends from Groups A, B, and C and showing them the kind of hospitality that the Philippines is known for.”

Mr. Panlilio also acknowledged the legion of fans in the country who waited long enough to watch our nation’s young talent goes up against the region’s best.

“The SBP knows that Filipino basketball fans have waited a long time for this and we’re just as excited as they are to have international basketball in our country again.”

The third window will be held in a bubble-type environment subject to the FIBA protocols on testing and quarantine. Quest Hotel will serve as the lodging for all the personnel involved in the event while Angeles University Foundation Sports & Cultural Center will be the venue of the games.

Image from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas