FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS MOVED TO MANILA IN AUGUST
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 10 Jan 2013
Pangilinan.
The Philippines' Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has received what it richly deserved from the start ? the right to host the 27th FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The FIBA Asia Executive Committee announced its decision to move the staging of the FIBA Asia Championship from Beirut in Lebanon to Manila in view of the current uncertain situation in Lebanon and the middle east.
The Manila Standard reported the likely switch from Lebanon to the Philippines last Tuesday and received confirmation Thursday evening from S. Mageshwaran, the Head of Communications for FIBA Asia.
FIBA Asia secretary general Hagop Khajirian who is from Lebanon and originally appeared to influence the decision to pick Lebanon over the Philippines which made an impressive presentation and was represented by a high-powered delegation led by business tycoon and SBP president Manny Pangilinan said ?Unfortunately, the current situation in the region and the on-going civil war in Syria, which has its indirect effect on the countries in the whole of West Asia, especially on Lebanon, creates doubts about the stability that we might not have, at least, till the fixed dates of our event.?
Hagop said that ?In view of these facts, FIBA Asia Executive Committee decided to change the venue of the 27th FIBA Asia Championship from Beirut-Lebanon to Manila-Philippines.?
Pangilinan welcomed the decision in a brief conversation with the Manila Standard and said ?this is good for our country and people. We all have to work hard and together to ensure a successful staging of the tournament.?
At the same time the ardent sports patron said ?we will need to get the cooperation of all the PBA teams? in an effort to qualify for the 2014 World Basketball Championships in Spain.
The top three teams from the 27th FIBA Asia Championship will earn the right to represent FIBA Asia at the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
Khajirian said ?SBP was still interested in hosting the championship and welcomed the decision of moving it to Manila.?
Philippines last hosted the marquee event for Asian basketball when Manila hosted the 7th edition of the event in 1973.
SBP executive secretary Renauld ?Sonny? Barrios said ?We are honored to host this prestigious event.We thank FIBA Asia, in particular Secretary General Hagop Khajirian, for giving us this privilege, which will give great happiness and enjoyment to the millions of Filipino basket ball fans.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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