Tough task awaits Noli Eala when he formally assumes the leadership of the Philippine Sports Commission.

A former broadcaster, the 59-year-old Eala was formally appointed as chairperson of the government sports agency through a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Atty. Vic Rodriguez.

His appointment paper was transmitted to the PSC main office at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Wednesday that formally makes him as the 11th chairman of the PSC replacing William "Butch" Ramirez.

He is expected to report to his new office at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Eala is the second member of the PSC board of commissioners to be appointed following bowling great Olivia "Bong" Coo.

Daily Tribune tried, but Eala refused to issue a statement.

He said he will settle down first before calling for a news briefing, where he will lay down his plans and programs for Philippine sports.

He, however, made a social media post, saying that he is excited to buckle down to work and serve as the top government sports official under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"Blessed. Honored. Grateful. Excited. Time to serve. Let's get to work," Eala, an outspoken supporter of the Chief Executive, said in a Twitter post shortly after his appointment.

But leading the PSC will be easier said than done.

Eala, a former basketball executive, is facing a different ballgame as he has to sustain the momentum that the country gained from its success in major international tournaments, especially in the Tokyo Olympics last year.

Under Ramirez, Philippine sports enjoyed its golden era.

Hidilyn Diaz ended the country's 97-year wait for an Olympic gold medal when she ruled the weightlifting competition of the Tokyo Olympics while boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial also submitted impressive performances.