Powerhouse China outbid Philippines for the rights to host the 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
After a final pitch before the Fiba Central Board on Friday in Tokyo, Japan, the world’s basketball governing body granted China the privilege to host the 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
China edged Philippines, which banked on the Filipinos’ passion for the sport and reach on social media in its bid for the hosting, with a presentation focusing on its strength in infrastructure, hosting experience, and resources.
The Chinese have hosted several international tournaments including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2010 Asian Games and the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics.
They will also host the upcoming 2015 Fiba Asia Championships.
China also boasted of holding the Fiba World Cup, which is held every four years, in eight keys cities which are easily connected by several forms of modern transportation.
“China never, never lets you down,” said Chinese Basketball Association President Yu Zaiging in the 20-minute presentation
The announcement of the hosting was initially scheduled for 5:25 p.m. Manila time but was moved to 6:15 p.m.
While the Filipinos rallied behind boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Philips, China brought retired NBA player Yao Ming to bolster its bid.
China, a 15-time Asian champion, will be hosting the Fiba Worlds for the first time.