MANILA – The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has inundated the Gilas Pilipinas’ 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers matches and the UAAP Season 82 second semester sporting events.
FIBA (International Basketball Federation) announced on Feb. 14 the postponement of three qualifying matches, including Gilas Pilipinas’ home clash against Thailand at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 20.
However, the Gilas’ away match against Indonesia at the Britama Arena in Indonesia on Feb. 23 will proceed as scheduled.
Also, Japan’s home game against China on Feb. 21 and China’s home game against Malaysia on Feb. 24 were also postponed. FIBA looks to reschedule the matches to next month.
Meanwhile, UAAP also delayed most of its sporting events, including the women’s and men’s volleyball, which was supposed to start yesterday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The league said that the postponement was done in compliance to the advisories of the Department of Health and the Commissioner on Higher Education earler this week.
Aside from volleyball, also postponed are the men’s football tournament that was originally scheduled to begin on Feb. 16, softball tournament (Feb. 17), seniors baseball tournament (Feb. 19), athletics (Feb. 19-23), and judo (last week of Feb.).
The playoffs for the high school beach volleyball and basketball tournaments will also be moved.
“The UAAP will be closely monitoring the country’s situation in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak in order to determine the resumption of the games,” the UAAP said. “We ask for your understanding and your prayers for the safety of our community, our nation and all countries affected by this outbreak.”/PN
