POC, PSC behind SBP bid for 2019 Fiba World Cup

The country’s ambitious bid to host the 2019 Fiba World Cup has the full backing of the Philippine Olympic and Philippine Sports Commission.

POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. said yesterday that the Olympic body has passed a resolution throwing its all-out support for the staging of basketball’s showpiece event on local turf for the first time since 1978, which Yugoslavia won in overtime over Russia.

“The hosting will definitely give honor to the country and we’re all out in supporting the cause,” said Cojuangco during the POC General Assembly at  Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will make its final pitch on Aug. 7 in Japan when the Fiba Central Board announces the host country for the world championship which is being hotly pursued as well by China.

PSC chair Richie Garcia said the government sports agency is also endorsing the Philippine bid against China’s effort, which Garcia said has the full backing of its government.

“Once we get the hosting, the PSC can provide technical and manpower support,” said Garcia.

Two possible venues to be tapped for the Philippine hosting are the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan and MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Besides bidding for the world championships, the Philippines is also looking to host the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.

“I see no problem with hosting the two big events on the same year,” said Garcia.