SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – Chinese ambassador Yao Ming did not hold back in admitting that the Philippines gave China a good fight in the bid to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
“We have to pay tribute to the Philippines delegation. They were great opponents,” the towering 7-foot-6 former NBA player said in a FIBA press release.
He added: “Only opponents like them could really push us to our limits to test how capable we are. Even if we were opponents on this occasion, we still have a friendship with them.”
China was declared the official host of the 2019 FIBA World Cup with a voting decision of 14-7 Friday, August 7 in Tokyo, Japan. The verdict broke the hearts of Filipino netizens. (READ:#SugatangPUSO2019: Netizens heartbroken)
Before the decision was announced, Yao Ming, who also played a role in China’s presentation, declared the Philipines had a “much better presentation than ours.”
In its presentation, China showed the FIBA Central Board its progressive nation and all the world-class infrastructure and facilities at FIBA’s disposal for the World Cup, while the Philippines tapped into emotion – and the human element for their final pitch.
(READ: FIBA: Philippines tugs heartstrings, China boasts progress)
“It’s such an exciting moment to bring the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup to China and I’m sure that millions of fans are sharing this joy with us,” Yao Ming added. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.