Manila to host FIBA Asia Championships

The FIBA Asia Executive Committee has opted to move the 27th FIBA Asia Championship from Lebanon to the Philippines due to "the current situation in Lebanon and the rest of West Asia," FIBA Asia announced Thursday.

The tournament will still be held on the originally scheduled dates of August 1 to 11.

"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,” said FIBA Asia Secretary General Hagop Khajirian in a press release.

“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,” Khajirian added.

The tournament, which takes place every two years, is the Asian qualifier for the FIBA World Championship and the Olympics.

“We are honored to host this prestigious event,” said SBP Executive Director Renauld ‘Sonny’ Barrios in the same release.

“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.”

The last iteration of the tournament, back in 2011, saw the Philippines settle for fourth place. Smart Gilas lost a heart-breaker to Korea, 70-68 in the battle for third place, following a 75-61 loss in the semis to Jordan.  - AMD, GMA News