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Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced on Friday that the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to start on February 17 in Doha, Qatar, will not take place.
The SBP received a letter from FIBA-Asia Executive Director Hagop Khajirian informing all teams in Groups A, B and E that the Qatari Ministry of Public Health has ordered the cancellation of all events hosted there due to rising fees. of COVID-19. in the country.
“SBP is saddened by the development, especially since we know the kind of work that our Gilas Pilipinas Men’s group has done in Calamba,” said SBP President Al Panlilio. “The players and the coaching staff have sacrificed so much in this process as they have been separated from their families to represent the Philippines against South Korea and Indonesia. We were eager to see them perform because we know that many Filipinos draw inspiration from themselves during these days as well. hard times “.
It was January 10 when the first group of players, led by Kiefer Ravena, entered the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna to begin their preparations. Gilas Pilipinas was about to close their training camp as they were supposed to fly to Doha, Qatar, on Saturday night.
“Although we are saddened by the situation, we also understand the predicament facing the Qatar Basketball Federation as they had no choice but to follow the mandate of their government,” added Panlilio.
“These are extraordinary times and we can only do our best given the hand that is shared with us. We thank our Qatari friends for their willingness to host our group on short notice and we look forward to the increase in COVID-19 cases in your country will soon cease. “
FIBA will now carefully study all available alternatives to have the games in the near future.
