Angara Thanks FIBA For Granting PHL Rights To Host Rio Olympics Qualifier

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara on Thursday expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) for granting the Philippines one of the hosting rights for the 2016 Rio World Olympic qualifying tournament.

Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on games, amusement and sports, said the holding of the Olympic qualifier is a big boost to the Gilas Pilipinas’ bid to make one final push to get ticket to the Rio Olympics.

He also congratulated the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and its president Manny V. Pangilinan “for leading the way to make this happen.”

”I call on all avid Filipino basketball fans to join us in giving our all-out support for our national team as they try to beat the odds to earn the country’s much coveted appearance at the most prestigious Olympic basketball tournament,” Angara said.

”I have no doubt that our team will once again showcase our unique brand of puso-fuelled basketball to bring pride and honor to the country. Congratulations at mabuhay ang (long live) Gilas Pilipinas,” he added.

Aside from the Philippines, Italy and Serbia have been chosen as host nations for the Olympic Qualifying tournament set from July 4 to 10.

The Philippines lost a chance to earn outright slot in the Rio Olympics after finishing second in the FIBA Asia Championship last year.

However, due to the country’s impressive performance, the Philippines earned the right to participate in the remaining qualifiers along with Japan, Angola, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal, Serbia and Tunisia.

According to the reports, the qualifying tournament will see 18 national teams from FIBA’s primary events divided into 3 competitions of 6. The winner from each tilt, for a total of 3 countries, will qualify for Rio 2016. The draw will take place January 26. (PNA) FPV/JFM