Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11) — The Philippines will host Groups A and C of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers in February, the regional office of the basketball world governing body announced on Friday.
Apart from the Philippines, the FIBA Regional Office Asia confirmed that the three other qualifiers will be held in Japan, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Gilas Pilipinas leads with six points in Group A, where it is bracketed with South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand. Group C meanwhile has New Zealand, Australia, Guam, and Hong Kong.
The games here will be held in Clark, Pampanga, where it is coming off the successful hosting of the PBA’s Philippine Cup despite the pandemic.
FIBA said the last window will “be organized as protected environment tournaments in order to ensure health and safety of all participants.”
The remaining games of the 2021 qualifiers will take place during this final window from February 18-22, 2021.
FIBA said the most important criteria in choosing the hosts were health and travel guarantees and compliance with FIBA health protocols, including testing and controlled entry into a secure environment.
The exact schedule of games will be confirmed at a later stage.
