Visiting FIBA, Erick Thohir Explains Indonesia's Readiness To Host The 2023 Basketball World Cup

JAKARTA - BUMN Minister Erick Thohir visited the FIBA headquarters in Switzerland to convey Indonesia's preparations to host the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Erick, as quoted from the IBL's official website, Saturday, October 17, visited the FIBA office on the sidelines of his diplomatic trip in Bern and Geneva, Switzerland, and was received by FIBA Chairman Hamane Niang, Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and his staff.

From the results of his discussion, Erick revealed that FIBA is happy with the development of the Indonesian basketball national team's preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

"FIBA is pleased with the progress of the preparation for the Indonesian national team. They are also ready to help recommend naturalized players for the 2023 FIBA World Cup," said Erick as quoted by Antara .

He also said that the Indonesian National Team was ready to compete in the remaining 2021 FIBA Asia Qualification matches which will be held in November in one country.

Regarding Indonesia's preparation to host, Erick, who is a member of the FIBA board, conveyed two venue options for the World Cup, namely building new ones or using existing facilities.

"For the construction of the new venue, we will consult with FIBA regarding international facility standards so that the new venue , which is planned to be a multifunctional building, if used for sports activities meets international standards," said Erick.

Meanwhile, for the holding of the 2021 FIBA Asian Cup, said Erick, FIBA has approved the Istora Gelora Bung Karno Jakarta as the location for the match. However, this venue could not be used for the World Cup as some fundamental changes were needed.

"The FIBA visit report recommends changing some parts of the Istora GBK. Unfortunately, we cannot change the part in question because Istora is included in a heritage building ," he said.

Erick stated that his party would continue to bridge communications between FIBA and PP Perbasi so that preparations for the host of the 2023 FIBA World Cup run optimally.

Indonesia was previously selected to host the 2023 FIBA World Cup with the Philippines and Japan.