Bachmann rallies behind Tsukii

HANGZHOU, China — On the final day of the 19th Asian Games, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann reiterated the agency's unbridled support to karateka Junna Tsukii – the last Filipino athlete to compete for Team Philippines in Hangzhou, China.

"Medal or no medal, the Philippine Sports Commission will always do its best to show its unwavering support to all our athletes carrying the Philippine flag," said Bachmann, as he cheered Tsukii on in the women's kumite -50 kg event at Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium, Sunday morning.

"Yung presence ni Chairman dito sa last game natin means a lot, not just for us in karate, but to every athlete for sure. This just goes to show that there is sincerity and concern coming from the PSC para sa amin from start to finish," said Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation, Inc. president Richard Lim.

The sports agency chief, who arrived days before the opening ceremonies together with the PSC secretariat and medical workforce, immediately visited the athletes' village and showed support for national teams in wushu, tennis, women's football, and basketball, to name a few.

"Even with the circumstances we faced in these Games, it's fulfilling for us to be of service to our sports heroes, hear their story, and continue to build that good relationship with each of them," Bachmann said.

PSC commissioners Fritz Gaston and Edward Hayco also joined Bachmann in China to extend the agency's support to our national teams from softball, baseball, and jujitsu, among others.

Prior to the games, the PSC confirmed that all competing athletes would be provided monetary allowance during the course of the Games, regardless of the Category A and Category B classifications originally set by the POC and the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.

"The 19th Asian Games have been an incredible display of talent and determination from our Filipino athletes. Our four gold, two silver, and 12 bronze medals, partnered with the tremendous commitment of each athlete in their respective sports, have made our nation proud," concluded the chairman.

Bachmann, who is set to return to Manila tomorrow, will guest at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday to discuss the post-event matters on this year's Asiad.