PHI - 2013 FIBA Asia Championship moved to Philippines
KUALA LUMPUR (FIBA Asia Championship) - The FIBA Asia Executive Committee has decided to move the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship from Beirut, Lebanon to Manila, Philippines in view of the current situation in Lebanon and the rest of West Asia. The event will be played as per the original dates of 1-11 August 2013.

"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 explaining the decision.

"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."

The 2013 FIBA Asia Championship will also act as the qualifying event for the 2014 FIBA World Cup to be played in Spain. The top three teams from the FIBA Asia Championship will earn the right to represent FIBA Asia at the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Samahang Basketbol NG Pilipinas (SBP), the National Federation of the Philippines had been one of the bidders who made their presentation at the FIBA Asia Executive Committee meeting in September 2012, where it was initially decided to award the hosting rights to Lebanon.

"SBP was still interested in hosting the championship and welcomed the decision of moving it to Manila," Khajirian said.

Philippines last hosted the marquee event for Asian basketball when Manila hosted the 7th edition of the event in 1973.

2013 FIBA Asia calendar finalised
Further, the finalised FIBA Asia calendar of events for 2013 has also been announced.
• 27th FIBA Asia Championship - Manila, Philippines (1-11 August)
• 24th FIBA Asia Champions Cup - Amman, Jordan (13-21 September)
• 3rd FIBA Asia U16 Championship - Tehran, Iran (25 September-4 October)
• 25th FIBA Asia Championship for Women - Bangkok, Thailand (27 October-3 November)
• 3rd FIBA Asia U16 Championship for Women - Colombo, Sri Lanka (18-25 November)

FIBA Asia

Sana maging tunay na Pilipino si Eala and Ang and magpahiram sila ng SMC players.