Due to the Tokyo Olympics being moved from 2020 to July 2021, the International Basketball Federation also moved its continental championships — including the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup.
Originally scheduled to take place from August 3-15, 2021, the Asia Cup has now been moved to August 17-29.
This as the Games will take place from July 23 to August 8.
“The outcome is a calendar of FIBA major events which remains very attractive for our fans, with a balanced distribution of top events, keeping always in mind the welfare and availability of players,” said FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis.
“I’m very pleased that, in a very challenging period, FIBA has been able to conduct an internal consultation process so fast and confirm an updated calendar for our senior tournaments within almost two weeks from the IOC’s announcement of the new dates for the Olympic Games.”
Currently, the qualifiers for the Asia Cup have been delayed due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Gilas Pilipinas have only played one game so far, a 100-70 road win over Indonesia last February 20.
The Philippines was supposed to play a home game against Thailand but the game was postponed due to the pandemic.
Currently, Group A has South Korea on top with a 2-0 slate followed by the Philippines. Indonesia is 0-2 while Thailand is 0-1.
The top two teams in each group advance to the Asia Cup proper.
The next window of the Qualifiers is tentatively scheduled to take place on November.
