Fiba Melanesia Cup deferred due to virus

THE Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) says it will still release training squad lists despite the deferral of the 2021 Fiba Melanesia Cup to April next year.
“We will still have to release a training squad list as it would be unfair if we did not do so,” BFPNG president Karo Lelai told The National yesterday.
“We now have time to further strengthen the squad, given the extended lead time between now and 2022.
“But of course, all will be subject to Covid-19 protocols and government directives.”
She said the BFPNG board was still waiting on the lists from their selection panel.
“We have asked every selector to sign off,” Lelai said.
“Every athlete must be justified against the position-specific criteria in our selection policy.
“Once the board has approved the lists, they will be released.”
Meanwhile, the Melanesia Cup — which will be held in Fiji — was deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The top priority remains the health and safety of all players, coaches, and officials, and Fiba has agreed with Basketball Fiji to postpone the tournament.
“The postponement will also give involved countries ample time to prepare,” Fiba Oceania executive director David Crocker said.
Basketball Fiji chief operating officer Laisiasa Puamau confirmed that the federation has decided to tentatively push it back to the first quarter of next year due to pandemic-related reasons.
“We have unfortunately postponed the FIBA Melanesia Cup 2021 due to strict border control laws and quarantine protocols in place in Fiji amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
“We respect and understand the health ministry guidelines for the benefit of every participating federation.
“Basketball Fiji has hosted Fiba competitions in the past, so we’re looking forward to welcoming our neighbours after these challenging times.”
Inaugurated in 2017, the quadrennial event among Melanesian nations was originally due to tip-off at the newly-renovated Vodafone Arena in Suva in May.