EDITORS DESK
While there are rumors that get louder by the day among top-level individuals — that if proven true could alter the direction of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in the next few months — it is worth noting that the task to lead the government agency is no easy job.
Richard Bachmann has colorful credentials that started from his humble beginnings as De La Salle varsity player, his long stint as manager of the Alaska Aces, and his executive positions in several private institutions.
He is a certified winner, with multiple championships tucked under his belt, and his dedication to work, to lead, and to serve offer no boundaries. For these reasons he was appointed as the PSC chairman early 2023.
Recently, floating in thin air are words of him getting replaced at the helm. While interpreting an impending development could hit it right or go totally wrong, Bachmann was no doubt a man of integrity.
Despite sitting for merely four months and all the chores being ironed out here and there, Bachmann threw his full support for the Philippine delegation in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The national athletes won 58 gold, 85 silver, and 117 bronze medals which was good for a fifth place finish. It was a better medal haul than the 2022 edition where the team bagged 52 gold medals, but the country slid one spot in the overall standings.
The PSC chief was also active during the FIBA World Cup 2023, which we co-hosted with Japan and Indonesia. As a funding arm for sports, the PSC had a crucial role with the staging of the grand tournament, allotting ₱1 billion for the operational expenses and promotion of basketball's centerpiece event, which gathered the best players from top nations, including those stars from the NBA.
Year 2023 was definitely loaded for the new chairman as he also led PSC's assistance to the Asian Games-bound Philippine team, which, after days of battles in Hangzhou, took home four gold medals courtesy of jiu-jitsu's Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and the resilient Gilas Pilipinas.
Probably the biggest feat that Bachmann saw in his term was Carlos Yulo's glorious moment in Paris at the 2024 Olympics where he copped two gold medals in gymnastics — the country's best performance in the quadrennial fest of sporting excellence. Yulo was not alone at the podium, with boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas equally sharing the spotlight after winning bronze medals.
While these exploits in international tournaments show how the sports agency's role could positively help shape an athlete to be ready for the Olympics, Asian Games, and SEA Games, the true work begins at the grassroots.
Bachmann is a frequent figure in provinces, providing aid and bringing in clinics to develop and harness young athletes in far-flung areas. It has been a consistent effort of the PSC to strengthen the programs of local government units, while also empowering indigenous games in remote towns.
As the sports community patiently waits for any earthshaking movement at the PSC, let us remember the effort and admirable dedication of the man we all know has the burden of a tiresome job.
He might not be the omnipresent leader who loves attention, but Bachmann works behind the curtains and away from prying eyes. For the people who truly love Philippine sports, that is unparalleled service.
(Ramon Rafael C. Bonilla is the Sports Editor of Manila Bulletin.)