FIBA exec lauds Manila for being 'excellent host' of World Cup

FIBA secretary-general Andreas Zagklis gave high remarks for Manila in the country's 'excellent hosting' of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which saw four groups see action in group phase while eight teams competed in the final phase.

Zagklis particularly lauded the hospitality of the Filipinos, from the volunteers all the way to the government, as the World Cup is set to come to a close today.

"Excellent host. I don't think it's easy to find anywhere else in the world this kind of service to the visitors," Zagklis said in a wrap-up press conference on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Zagklis gives props to Manila for an excellent hosting of the World Cup @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/dVL7s30pmv

— Bea Micaller (@beamicallerrr) September 10, 2023

"Always with a smile. Always with kindness. Always with a solution-oriented approach."

This the Philippines' second hosting of the global cagefest after the 1978 hosting, where Yugoslavia copped its second title while Soviet Union and Brazil settled for silver and bronze, respectively.

After 45 years, the World Cup returned to the country to co-host the games alongside Japan and Indonesia.

"I can only express how grateful FIBA is to the Philippines and to the City of Manila," Zagklis added.

"From the top of the government, the head of state received us a few months ago and he came to the opening game, as you know. To the volunteers that take care of you, of us here in the venues, and in our hotels so we're grateful to them."

Qatar will host the next edition of the World Cup in 2027.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News