FIBA cancels regional championships due to Covid-19

International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Oceania has cancelled the Under-15 regional championships which were scheduled to be held in Port Moresby in December, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event was supposed to gather Fiba’s youngest international youths on Dec 7-12.
Several factors, including the continuing community transmission, quarantine and lockdown measures in Port Moresby, travel restrictions in the region, and economic impact contributed to the cancellation.
With the cancellation of the event that serves as the official qualifier for the Fiba Asia U16 Championships, the top teams based on the world rankings will be the region’s representative at the continental meet.
Papua New Guinea will be given the right to host the Fiba U17 Oceania Championships in Dec, 2023.
FIBA Oceania executive director David Crocker acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances that led to the cancellation.
“It’s very unfortunate to encounter challenges beyond our control but it is of our utmost responsibility and priority to assure everyone’s health in light of this worldwide crisis,” he said.
“So, while we are left without a choice but to cancel the event, we will always value the health and safety of everyone involved in the event.”
Basketball Federation of PNG (BFPNG) president Karo Lelai also backed Fiba’s decision and reiterated their commitment to the development of their youth programme with the chance to host tournaments in the future.