Manila, Philippines, July 1, 2025: The outgoing Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, Richard Bachmann, has described his country’s famous curling gold medal at the Harbin Asian Winter Games as one of the highlights of his tenure.
In a message of gratitude posted on PSC social media, Bachmann highlighted the success of Filipino athletes at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, Paris 2024 Olympic Games and 9th AWG in Harbin, China in February 2025, when the men’s curling team recorded an unlikely victory that made sports news headlines around the world.
“The most fulfilling part of public service is witnessing the potential of Filipinos to reach historic achievements,” Bachmann wrote.
“I am deeply grateful to have been part of remarkable milestones in Philippine sports. Our collective efforts have brought joy, inspiration and strength to the Filipino people.
“The country’s impressive performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics inspired the nation, especially as we celebrated the centennial year of Philippine participation in this prestigious event.
“Philippine sports also demonstrated its growing dynamics with our men’s curling team securing the nation’s first-ever gold in any winter multi-sporting event through the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.
“Filipinos also made an outstanding showing at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, achieving the country’s best overall ranking since the last three decades. We have also further solidified our standing in the Southeast Asian Games, with preparations already underway for this year’s edition in Thailand.”
He concluded: “I leave the Philippine Sports Commission with a deep sense of fulfillment. I thank the hardworking men and women of the PSC, our national athletes and coaches, the Philippine Olympic Committee and everyone who has contributed to uplifting Philippine sports.”
The PSC is the sports agency of the central government. Bachmann will be succeeded as PSC Chairman by John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.