AMBASSADOR of the State of Qatar to the Philippines, Ahmed bin Saad Al Hamidi, has commended the Philippines for successfully hosting the 2023 World Cup, a global sports event from August 25 to September 10, 2023.

“Amid the many challenges the world is now facing, the Philippines hosting the 2023 FIBA ​​Basketball Cup has given the world a respite regardless of the results of the competition, which involved various teams from different countries,” he said. the Qatari envoy during his visit to Laguna.

Al Hamidi added that the Qatar Basketball Federation has been granted the rights to host the 2027 FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup, with all matches to be played in the city of Doha.

The FIBA ​​central board was impressed by Qatar’s bid, which emphasizes the country’s compact geographical nature, flexible tournament schedule and emphasis on sustainability.

“While we are all looking forward to what we know will be another outstanding FIBA ​​event, we will also enjoy a full trip to Doha when the action gets underway in Qatar. The qualification route to the World Cup has been around since its inception in 2017 and we will once again ready to watch all the action,” said FIBA ​​President Hamane Niang in a congratulatory message.

The 2027 FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup will be presented to the people of the Middle East and North Africa regions, marking the first time FIBA’s flagship event will be held in this part of the world.

Al Hamidi said all the venues to be used for the meeting have already been built, noting that green technologies will be used to make the 2027 FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup a carbon-neutral event.

Al Hamidi visited Laguna at the invitation of Secretary Robert Borje of the Philippine Climate Change Commission during an event aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

The Qatari envoy was accompanied by Second Secretary at the Qatari Embassy in Manila Saeed Al Qathiani and Qatari Media Officer Sulaiman Alamin.

Relatedly, Rep. Joel Chua (Manila, 3rd District) said the Philippine national men’s basketball team, Gilas Pilpinas, should be under “new leadership” and mentored by new coaches with extensive international experience.

He said that as the host nation, Gilas’ 0-3 record in the World Cup is very painful for Philippine basketball fans.

“Pinoy basketball fans know that much more could have been done. Even though they are not as pragmatic as the Gilas coaches and were not present during the closed-door practices and tune-up games, they know underperformance when they see it. There must still be accountability , which should also come with transparency,” Chua said in a statement.

He added that taxpayers’ money was used to finance the preparation of the national team and the people have the right to demand accountability from Gilas’ coaches and players as well as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.