Moment of truth in hosting bid
It’s the final possession, Game 7 of the finals, and scores are tied. That’s what it’s like for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as it awaits a momentous decision with bated breath.
The hosting rights for the 2023 World Cup will be known today as FIBA – basketball’s world governing body – decides between the Philippines, in partnership with Japan and Indonesia, and the joint hosting of Argentina and Uruguay.
The decision from Mies, Switzerland will be known at 8 p.m. Manila time.
The country is again one of two final bidders after it fell short in 2015 when FIBA awarded the 2019 hosting to China via a 14-7 vote.
Manny V. Pangilinan, chairman emeritus of the SBP, expressed confidence on the bid the group made last month. He’s also confident the final 20minute presentation in today’s meeting with FIBA will be enough to convince the world’s top basketball officials.
“We put in a very good bid, so let’s see,” said Pangilinan, who served as SBP president from 2007 to 2016. “I think the Filipinos deserve it. Let’s show the world the Philippine brand of basketball.”
Under the joint hosting, the three nations will stage the preliminary rounds of the World Cup; but in the knockout playoffs until the finals, the Philippines will be the main host.
Pangilinan heads the SBP contingent that will make a final push for the country’s hosting bid together with SBP chief Al Panlilio and, representing the government, Deputy Speaker Rep. Pia Cayetano, sister of Foreign Affairs Sec. Allan Peter Cayetano.
Representatives from Indonesia and Japan are also expected to deliver their messages, including Erick Thohir and Yuko Mitsuya, both members of the FIBA Central Board.
“Let’s see… let’s keep our fingers crossed,” said Panlilio.