HANGZHOU, China — The country’s top sports executives lauded Gilas Pilipinas for a job well done in the men’s basketball event of the 19th Asian Games.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann said Gilas Pilipinas’ victory was one of the most monumental moments for Team Philippines in its participation in this year’s edition of the Asian Games.
Aside from basketball being the most popular sport in the country, his father, Kurt Bachmann, was also part of the national team that last won the Asian Games title in 1962 in Jakarta.
“Witnessing our Gilas Pilipinas take back the Asian basketball throne was one of the monumental victorious for Team Philippines here in Hangzhou — our fourth gold medal as of date,” said Bachmann, who led a small group of Filipinos in cheering for the Gilas during their gold medal match against Jordan late Friday.
“My father, who was part of the team that last won the gold in the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta would be very proud of this Gilas squad, which showed resilience and team spirit.”
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who has been praying relentlessly for the success of Filipino athletes, stressed that Gilas had made the entire country proud.
“It is the most important gold medal for us,” said Tolentino, who worked hard in lobbying for the late inclusion of Gilas stalwarts Kevin Alas, Arvin Tolentino, CJ Perez and Chris Ross.
“Our men’s basketball team makes us realize that we can win the gold no matter how tough the situation is.”
Party-list representative Mikee Romero also extended his congratulations to Gilas Pilipinas.
“In my nine years of being in the House of Representatives, I have created 75 Republic Acts, but helping Justin Brownlee become a Filipino is one of the highlights of my legislative career,” said Romero, a well-known sportsman who owns a team in the Philippine Basketball Association and competes in international polo competitions.
“His Asian Games performance gave tremendous help in giving back to our country the historic Asian Games gold medal that was 61 years in the making.”
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio also expressed elation over the success of the national squad.
“I am so elated with the performance of our national team for being an Asian champion again after 61 years,” Panlilio said.
“I would like to thank MVP (Manny Pangilinan), SBP chairman emeritus, RSA (Ramon Ang), SMC president, for their unwavering support. I would also like to thank the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) led by its chairman Ricky Vargas and vice chairman Bobby Rosales. I remember Ricky saying that we will not back down knowing its high risk.”
