BACOLOD City — Southeast Asia’s brightest young basketball talents take center stage in Bacolod City as the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Qualifiers officially opened on June 2 at the STI West Negros University (STI-WNU) Gym.
The five-day tournament, which runs until June 6, brings together national teams from the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam as they battle for a coveted berth in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup.
The event marks a historic milestone for Bacolod and the Philippines as the City of Smiles hosts the prestigious international competition for the first time.
Mayor Greg Gasataya welcomed the participating teams and expressed confidence that the tournament would not only showcase the region’s rising basketball stars but also demonstrate Bacolod’s capability to host world-class sporting events.
“This is a proud moment for Bacolod,” Gasataya said, noting that the city’s growing reputation as a venue for major sporting competitions contributed to its selection by the Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
SBP Executive Director Atty. Erika Dy commended the city government for its preparations, describing them as nearly flawless and citing the strong support extended to tournament organizers and participating delegations.
FIBA representative Wong Chung Min likewise praised Bacolod’s readiness to host the competition, saying the successful staging of the tournament could open doors for more international basketball events in the city.
Ahead of the opening games, the Bacolod City Government hosted a welcome dinner for athletes, coaches, tournament officials, and guests at the Bacolod City Government Center.
Local basketball enthusiasts are expected to flock to the venue to cheer for Gilas Pilipinas and witness some of Southeast Asia’s most promising young players compete on the international stage.
Admission to all games is free, with tickets available daily at the STI-WNU Gym on a first-come, first-served basis.
As the tournament gets underway, Bacolod finds itself at the center of Southeast Asian women’s basketball, welcoming future stars eager to make their mark and keep their Asia Cup aspirations alive./PN
