Vietnam Basketball Federation on August 28 released an official announcement on the cancellation of Vietnam VBA 5x5 Professional Basketball League 2021.
Vietnam Basketball Federation on August 28 released an official announcement on the cancellation of Vietnam VBA 5x5 Professional Basketball League 2021.
At the end of June, under the approval of Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, nearly 300 athletes, coaches, and staff of domestic and foreign professional basketball clubs and Vietnam’s male 5x5 basketball team arrived in Nha Trang City to prepare for the first ever professional basketball tournament held in the province. Throughout the time in Nha Trang, the organization and management committees of the tournament strictly complied with the regulations and instructions on COVID-19 prevention and control directed by the government, National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, and Khanh Hoa’s authorities.
|
All the athletes, coaches, and staff were taken samples for RT-PCR test regularly. Vietnam Basketball Federation reached a consensus with Khanh Hoa’s authorities and instructed VBA to hold experimental matches; strengthen measures to prevent COVID-19; prepare and perfect the way of organizing a closed-door tournament in case the pandemic outbreak isn’t controlled. After some experimental matches, the federation assessed that the organization procedure for a closed-door tournament of VBA met the requirements for a professional basketball tournament as well as for COVID-19 prevention and control. With this organization procedure, the tournament could be held anytime and anywhere. This was also considered a preeminent model for a sports tournament in the current situation. It creates a playground for the athletes, coaches, and referees; offers an opportunity for the national basketball team to practice; and helps people in the localities which are implementing social distancing to be able to enjoy an interesting sports tournament (through TV channels).
However, due to the regulations on contract period with coaches and athletes of the participating clubs, especially foreign coaches and athletes, as well as the time limit for working at the tournament of foreign coaches and supervisors, after discussing with the related businesses and clubs, the tournament management committee, Khanh Hoa’s authorities and Vietnam Basketball Federation decided to cancel Vietnam VBA 5x5 Professional Basketball League 2021.
Vietnam Basketball Federation has offered its sincere thanks to Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, provincial People's Committee, provincial departments, agencies, Nha Trang City People's Committee, and the related units, which have actively supported, coordinated, and helped to facilitate the organization of the tournament amid the pandemic.
An Nhien
Translated by H.N
