Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann asserted his unwavering faith and dedication to the Batang Pinoy, highlighting its crucial role in unearthing potential members of the country's future elite athletes. 

"I am hoping that many of our young athletes participating in Batang Pinoy will be identified and discovered by our National Sports Associations (NSAs). I am delighted to witness numerous young athletes playing in our facilities,” said Bachmann after attending the opening of Batang Pinoy lawn tennis event at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court on Sunday morning, Dec. 17.

“Our national government, through the PSC, is and will always be committed to fostering an environment where every aspiring athlete has the opportunity to flourish,” Bachmann said during his speech in the opening ceremonies at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Bachmann took the opportunity to inspect various venues within the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, including those for weightlifting, swimming, badminton, and 3x3 basketball, the latter to be hosted at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Batang Pinoy, initiated in 1999, serves as the flagship grassroots program of the PSC, providing a national sports platform for athletes aged 15 and below. Notable figures like Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz began their athletic journey in Batang Pinoy, with Diaz participating for the first time in 2002 in Puerto Princesa.

This year's Batang Pinoy covers 25 sports and action in weightlifting gets going with nine gold medals contested in various weight and age categories, including the 12U Boys 32kg., 12U Boys 37kg., 12U Girls 30kg., 13-15 Boys 37kg., 12U Boys 43kg., 16-17 Men’s 43kg., 13-15 Boys 43kg., 12U Girls 35kg., at 13-15 Girls 35kg.

Elimination rounds in lawn tennis kicked off on Sunday with Lorenz De Jesus of Rizal Province picking up the first victory of the day at the expense of Kyle Andrei Saga of Bukidnon, 6-4,6-1 while Sabine Dasha Chan See of Pasig, defeated 6-3, 6-0, Maria Janine Cadiz of Caoayan, Isabela, 6-3, 6-0.

Lance Kim Lesaca of Zambales blanked Glo John Manito of Cebu City, 6-0, 6-0; Cyrus Nathaniel Ogaob of Zamboanga Del Sur thrashed Mark Lorence of Marikina, 6-0-6-1; Adam Dane Tiongson of Nueva Viscaya survived Daniel Jose Neri of Mandaue City after a tie break, 4-6, 7-6 (10-9); and Christine Mae Gula-Gula of Dapitan trumped Jasmine Jaran of La Carlota, 6-4, 6-3. 

With a massive delegation of over 18,000 participants expected for both the Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games (PNG), Bachmann is ensuring their well-being and accommodation.

Over 14,700 sleeping mats have been distributed to different billeting areas across Manila, Makati City, San Juan City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Tagaytay City, and Indang, Cavite. An additional 1,200 mats were provided to early arrivals at Philsports billeting rooms in Pasig.