By Waylon Galvez
Despite the lockdown the past three months, officials of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia – hosts for the 2023 FIBA World Cup – have kept their communication lines open to ensure that everything is moving on the right direction.
Ryan Gregorio, the Special Assistant to the President (SAP) of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Al Panlilio, said that committees formed in connection to the preparation have been in talks.
“Tuloy tuloy yan,” said Gregorio.
“If there is one thing that did not stop, is we were to use our available infrastructure… itong ating online, just to make sure that we keep everything warm,” added Gregorio.
According to the former PBA champion mentor, both SBP Executive Director Renauld “Sonny” Barrios and federation’s operations head Butch Antonio have been in constant communication with their counterparts from Japan and Indonesia for updates.
Back in December of 2017, FIBA awarded to the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan the co-hosting of the 2023 World Cup, beating Argentina and Uruguay in the bidding to stage the event.
Under the format, the three countries will stage the preliminary rounds, while knockout playoff rounds of the tournament will be played in the Philippines, host of the World Cup back in 1978.
Prior to the lockdowns of nations because of the pandemic brought by the coronavirus, the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia have formed different committees like those in charge of logo designs and themes.
As the countries are now slowly getting back to business, the committees have likewise touched base.
“Meron tayong grupong in charge to make sure that we are aligned with Indonesia and Japan like logos, themes and possible preparation for 2023 hosting of the FIBA World Cup,” said Gregorio.
“We have to fast track the process and make sure that we’re able to get back on the right track. Yes, nahinto tayo with the physical activities, but we have to make sure yung preparations hindi nate-tengga,” he added.
