Doha has been proving to the world that sports events can still be held with all health protocols: FIBA’s Soriano

FIBA 3x3 Head of Events and Partnerships, Ignacio Soriano, recently sat down with the QBF media team to discuss several 3x3 topics, including the sports battle against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Question: As a global organizer how has COVID-19 affected your organization of 3x3?

Soriano: We went from 15 WT Masters to 5, we had Olympics postponed to 2021, as well as Olympic Qualifying Tournaments… Plus all grassroots activities worldwide.

Question: What has FIBA learned from the pandemic?

Soriano: That we need to continue working and use this as an opportunity to prove that 3x3 is secure and can be played with safety. This will be our 4th WT Masters.

Question: Pre-COVID 19 Doha hosted the first leg of the World Tour, how has that shifted?

Soriano: Doha had initially scheduled WT for just when COVID 19 appeared. However, 3x3 is flexible compared to other sports and here we are, hosting the initially planned 3x3 event from April on November.

Question: What is about Doha that makes it appealing to host this World Tour in particular during these times

Soriano: We (QOC, QBF and FIBA) are anxious to prove the basketball and sport community that sport events can still be played complying with all health protocols.

Question: You recently organized 3 Masters within 7 days, what was that behind that decision?

Soriano: We wanted to create a sanitary bubble and it made no sense, not just for 2 days, which is the length of a Masters. The investment was just too big to just do for one.

Question: How much of a relief was it for FIBA to commence the World Tour?

Soriano: Big relief, and we have been used by IOC as an example of federations getting back to activity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question: The 3 Masters you recently organized were full of fire and intensity? What can we expect in Doha?

Soriano: Absolutely! We had excellent games and top-ranked teams of the world, coming even from the US!

Question: Liman hasn’t lost any of its shine winning two of the three tours, who do you think will win the Doha leg?

Soriano: I am neutral!

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