Manila – After a four-decade absence, the FIBA Asia Championship games comes back to Philippine shores.
FIBA Secretary General Hagop Khajirian arrived in Manila last Saturday, January 26, to meet up with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and its television broadcaster Solar Sports, to discuss all the logistical matters about the event that will be held on August 1-11.
In a press conference held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last January 28, Khajirian, SBP Executive Director Renauld “Sonny” Barrios and Solar’s head honchos Peter Chanliong and Wilson Tieng, and SM MOA Arena executives spoke about these recent developments, which serves as another monumental event for Philippine basketball.
“The facilities here in the Philippines are up to the standard set by FIBA-Asia,” said Khajirian, who was greatly impressed with how the country has been preparing for the said basketball spectacle. On the other hand, Solar Sports has promised to not only give quality television coverage, but also opened the idea of livestream broadcasts.
“When we put the telecast, we will put the Philippines in the best possible light,” said Chanliong, whose company also houses Basketball TV, the country’s leading broadcast channel for the NBA games. – by Miguel Ordonez
