The Cuban men’s basketball team that will compete in the Second Qualifying Window for the FIBA World Cup Qatar 2027 was flagged off today in a solemn ceremony held at the capital’s Coliseum of the Sports City.
During the ceremony, headed by Osvaldo Vento Montiller, president of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (Inder), Dalia Henry, president of the Cuban Basketball Federation, stated that in the most difficult moments, Cuban sport has not faltered; on the contrary, it has risen to face difficulties and participated in the most demanding call-ups, reflected the sports portal Jit.
Henry explained that due to the United States economic blockade, its tightening and the recent energy siege measures against Cuba, they were unable to host Panama and Uruguay, and for that reason they must seek success beyond the borders to advance to the next phase.
However, this situation only means that the attitude and commitment under the hoop are multiplied, just as our undefeated people do, who in the face of difficulties resist and create, which is the same as conquering, she assured.
The also commissioner of the discipline thanked international bodies, such as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), for their understanding and support.
She extended equal thanks to the Panamanian sports authorities for hosting this event, and their Uruguayan counterparts for accepting the relocation without showing any inconvenience.
In the year of the 65th anniversary of Inder, which we will celebrate next 23rd February, we will know how to live up to the values of the Cuban sports movement, concluded Henry.
Marlon Díaz, on behalf of the athletes, noted that on the court they will carry the spirit of the Cuban people, to deserve their applause.
In the first window, the Cubans suffered two defeats in the Americas group D against the powerful team of Argentina, favourites to lead the group, and now the Antilleans must secure victories to escape the bottom and advance to the next round.
On the 27th of November last, the Albiceleste defeated the Caribbean side 80-68 at the Coliseum of the Sports City, and in the return match, on the 1st of December in Buenos Aires, the South Americans imposed themselves again, by 105-49.
Cuba will face Panama on the 27th of February, in a match that should have been played at the Havana Coliseum of the Sports City, but due to the conditions imposed by the United States economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba, it has been moved to the Roberto Durán Arena in Panama City.
There, the Cubans will face the Uruguay team on the 2nd of March.
The FIBA Americas qualifying tournament for the Qatar 2027 World Cup consists of four groups of an equal number of teams, which will play each other in home and away matches, and the top three teams from each group will advance to the second round.
Groups A and C will form group E, while groups B and D will form group F, but the results are carried over, so each match counts, in home and away games.
The top three teams from each group in this final stage, along with the fourth best ranked team, will advance to the 2027 World Cup.
