DOHA: The popular Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) which have become favourite weekend past time among Filipino basketball enthusiasts in the country, was officially recognised yesterday by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP), the governing body of basketball in the Philippines. 

PIBAQ’s accreditation to SBP was formalised during the ongoing 21st FIBA Asia Champions Cup at the Al Gharafa Basketball Stadium after PIBAQ officials were sworn in by lawyer Noli Eala, SBP Executive Director, who is here to give a morale boost to the Philippines’ Smart Gilas joining the elite 10-nation basketball tournament.

Witnessing the event held inside the press conference room of the stadium was Rashid Al Abdulla, General Manager of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF).

Talking to The Peninsula at the sidelines of the event, Eala said PIBAQ became the third overseas partner after North America and Dubai, a rare privilege for such an active basketball league outside the Philippines which formally sanctioned them as the official tournament of SBP in Qatar.

With such privilege, promising basketball stars playing at the PIBAQ that would be developed at the training could give them a big chance to be a part of the national team to play in the FIBA sponsored global tournaments.

At the same time, Eala said, PIBAQ will have the privilege to participate in SBP training for coaches, technical committee staff and referees that might give them the eligibility to international referee status.

“If there’s a national league, PIBAQ can be invited to join,” Eala said.

Now on its 6th season under McDonald’s Qatar sponsorship, PIBAQ has maintained competitive ten participating teams and the level of play among the promising players had improved a lot that had caught the attention of QBF officials.

PIBAQ officials are keeping their crossed select players from their league would be considered to become part of the prestigious Emir Cup basketball tournament.

THE PENINSULA