SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala said yesterday that they will be bidding to host the FIBA-Asia youth under-16 qualifier for the world championships. Eala said the proposal to host the tournament here, which will likely to be held in September, was forwarded to FIBA-Asia deputy secretary general Hagop Khajirian after the Fiba official visited the country earlier this month.
According to Eala, the other bidder is Indonesia, although Fiba is still looking for other bidders.
Eala said that if Fiba accepts SBP’s bid, the tournament could either be held in Bacolod City or in Lucena City. The tournament is expected to be participated in by at least 12 countries.
Eala added that this is also going to be the first time that an under-16 qualifier will be held in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, the SBP will be conducting joint seminars in 16 regions for the licensing and accreditation of coaches and referees, which will run from February to May, 2011.
The seminars will be held as part of the country’s hosting of the 22nd FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in May.
Peter Atencio, Manila Standard Today
