The FIBA Central Board gave the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup hosting rights to China during the Host Announcement Ceremony Friday in Tokyo, Japan.
China bested the Philippines, the other finalist, and earlier bids from France, Russia, Mexico, Lithuania, and Venezuela. Bids from Germany, Turkey, and Qatar were moved for the 2023 World Cup.
The basketball’s governing body focused on four area in its lead up to the decision: (1) vision and concept, (2) experience in hosting events, (3) basketball history, and (4) cities and venues.
The Chinese delegation, which includes icon Yao Ming, focused on its technologies like modern transportation, high-speed internet, and world-class facilities and venues.
Their representatives also aimed at providing a seamless hosting for the 2019 World Cup. The nation is targeting eight cities to host the games, including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Wuhan.
In its vision and concept, China also stated “the FIBA Basketball World Cup will be the biggest ever” and “to fully achieve this potential, the FIBA Basketball World Cup deserves the biggest stage ever.”
The vision and concept also adds:
“The new 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China offers the largest market ever for the promotion of Basketball worldwide. Hosting the 2019 Basketball World Cup brings a unique opportunity to promote the sport on a fantastic new stage with unlimited potential, in a market of over a billion people.”
China has hosted three of the last four FIBA Asia Championships, and the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics among giant sporting events.
*Photo C/O SBP
