Newly-appointed chairperson Richard Bachmann vowed to dedicate his time and full focus on running the affairs of the Philippine Sports Commission.
In a message to Daily Tribune late Wednesday, the 58-year-old Bachmann said his first order of business is to sit down with the Philippine Basketball Association, University Athletic Association of the Philippines and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to discuss how he could effectively fulfill his new role.
Bachmann serves as the chairman of the PBA 3×3, commissioner of the UAAP basketball commissioner and head of the local organizing committee operations of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023.
But now, he has a bigger task to fulfill as he was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to head the government funding arm for sports that is looking to sustain the momentum brought by Hidilyn Diaz’s golden performance in the Tokyo Olympics.
Aside from Bachmann, the son of basketball legend Kurt Bachmann who replaced another former cage executive in Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala as PSC chief, also appointed were former national fencer Walter Torres and former Cebu City Sports Council chief Edward Hayco.
Bachmann, Torres and Hayco will join bowling great Olivia “Bong” Coo in the five-man board of commissioners.
“I just received the news about the PSC appointment,” said Bachmann, who is spending the holidays in the United States.
“I will be meeting with (PBA) Commissioner Willie Marcial, (UAAP) Executive Director Rebo Saguisag, and the FIBA LOC Management to discuss the next steps on my current responsibilities as soon as I get back.”
Bachmann also thanked the President for appointing him in the most sensitive government position in Philippine sports.
“It’s a huge honor and I would like to thank the President for his trust and confidence,” Bachmann, who is scheduled to arrive in the country on Friday and join in his first flag-raising ceremony at the PSC main office inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Monday.
Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was surprised with Bachmann’s appointment, but expressed eagerness to work with Bachmann the same with they worked with his predecessor.
“The sudden changing of the guard at the PSC is surprising for us, although we have already built a good partnership with former chairman Eala,” Tolentino said in a statement.
“We, nonetheless, expect have the same expectation with the new leadership.”
Tolentino admitted that the coming year will be very challenging, especially with the country participating in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, 19th Asian Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, World Beach Games and various Olympic qualifying tournaments.
“We cannot deny the fact how important the support of the PSC is to all athletes, especially now with the Olympic journey, we are sensitive with the precious assistance and, of course, lessening the strenuous process of providing contribution of the PSC to our national sports associations,” he added.
“That is our utmost concern.”
“We all have the same goal of having the chance to promote our country through sports, therefore, we should initially unite in helping prepare for the Olympics.”
