2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers canceled in Qatar

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Officials from Doha, Qatar recently confirmed the cancellation of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers due to Covid-19.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced that FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian sent letters to all participating teams regarding the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar ordering the cancellation of events.

Covid-19 cases are currently on the rise in Qatar resulting in health sector calls for all events to be postponed to avoid further complications.

“Although we are saddened by the situation, we also understand the predicament faced by the Qatar Basketball Federation as they had no choice but to follow the mandate of their government,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.

Gilas Pilipinas has been in training since January at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna and is looking forward to the third and final window especially with Kai Sotto reinforcing the squad.

The PH hoopers are set to face rivals Korea on February 18, Indonesia on February 20, and Korea again on February 22.

“The players and coaching staff have all sacrificed so much in this process as they’ve been apart from their families to represent the Philippines against South Korea and Indonesia,” Panlilio added.

As of now, FIBA officials are yet to determine the fate of the last and final window and have not discussed the next venue.