Basketball diplomacy during the Iran-Philippines game

DIPLOMACY. During the Iran-Philippines basketball game, a mediaman noted that some local Iranians were cheering for the Smart Gilas five. “Strange,” he said. But someone explained: “The local Iranians were only trying to be diplomatic.”

NOTED TOO. But it was also noted by some observers that there were Pinays cheering for Iran. They were in the company of the Iranians residents. “Mga asawa tingali to or maybe girl friends,” said a Cebuano cage fan who found himself in the Iranian bleacher. “That’s the beauty of basketball diplomacy,” he said.