World champion Manny Pacquiao is reportedly going to assist his country in their bid to host the 2019 World Cup.
Pacman himself is an avid basketball fan. Currently, he is a playing coach for a domestic team in the Philippines. He was drafted last year and played a limited number of times due to his preparation for his fight with Floyd Mayweather.
According to local reports, the people's champ will help the Filipino basketball association to persuade FIBA to award the hosting rights to the Philippines as they present their cause in Japan next month. They will be battling against China who are also putting up an offer.
Former national team coach, Chot Reyes stated that the event could inspire a great number of people across Asia to succeed.
"With the World Cup 2019, we are not only able to show the world what the sport means to the Philippines, but the opportunity to host a world-class competition like this will further inspire Filipinos both in the Philippines and the 10 million across the globe to chase their dreams," Reyes said.
"We also believe that it will offer similar inspiration to other players right across Asia."
The Philippines claimed that they are ready for the responsibilities that the event could bring. And more than that, the passion for basketball is what makes the nation stand out among the others. The popularity of the sports across the country can't be denied and can be seen and felt in every corner.
"It is really a sport that is at the heart of every Filipino," Reyes said. "We have 40 percent of the population who know and played the sport, we have the facilities to support the bid and of course incredible fan support for the sport in the Philippines.
"Filipinos are also not just passive sports fans who watch basketball from their homes; they're active and vocal about wanting to see their country host the FIBA World Cup 2019."
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