Indonesia, Philippines, Japan to Host 2023 FIBA World Cup
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16 September 2019 07:15 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Contingents of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan have received the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) flag in the sideline event of 2019 FIBA World Cup in Beijing, China, on Sunday, September 15.
The flag distribution is a symbolic ceremony of the three countries to co-host the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, said the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) through an official statement, Jakarta, Sunday.
Indonesia was represented by Erick Thohir as a member of the FIBA Central Board along with Perbasi head Danny Kosasih, while from the Philippines and Japan are Manuel Pangilinan and Yuko Mitsuya respectively.
The symbol is handed by Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) president Yao Ming and American legend Kobe Bryant, who is the global ambassador for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
“This flag handover is a starting point for the preparation of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which means Indonesia must start to be serious in preparing itself,” Erick remarked.
According to him, the success of China in hosting the global event should be taken as a barometer for Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan to do better in the next four years.
“Three countries as the co-host have their own uniqueness, and so it should be the strength to present a memorable experience for not only players but every audience and basketball lovers from around the world,” Erick added.
Unlike the Philippines and Japan, however, Indonesia is required to pass the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup and secure the top ten place to join the competition.
ANTARA
