GOLD COAST (Australia) - The FIBA Polynesia Cup 2021 to be held in Samoa has been postponed due to the lingering pandemic issues, Samoa National Basketball Association (SNBA) and FIBA announced.

FIBA and SNBA discussed the matter with fellow Polynesian Federations and decided to move back the anticipated competition from September 2021 to February 2022.

“Following a discussion with five competing nations of the Polynesian sub-regions and including host Samoa, we have made a decision to postpone the FIBA Polynesia Cup until February 2022,” said David Crocker, FIBA Oceania’s Executive Director.

SNBA president Pauga Talalelei Pauga agreed to the tough decision, saying it’s the right and safe move especially in the middle of numerous challenges and restrictions still in effect due to the pandemic.

“We have been led to the unfortunate decision to push back the FIBA Polynesia Cup due to strict border controls in the country and neighboring countries along with the existing mandatory two-week quarantine here,” said Pauga.

“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our fellow federations with the hope of seeing better times ahead for us to finally share the court and the sport we love after these extraordinary times. Rest assured, Samoa will stay ready serving as your home next year,” added Pauga.

Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Tahiti, and Tonga will all take part in the rescheduled FIBA Polynesia Cup. 

Tahiti won the men’s division of the previous edition of the event in 2018, with the Cook Islands reigning supreme in the women’s tournament.

The FIBA Melanesia Cup set to be hosted by Fiji was also postponed until April 2022 in an announcement by Basketball Fiji last month.

FIBA