Ku-Kung-I to Run for Basketball Association Chairmanship, Aims to Connect Taiwan Basketball with the World

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 13 - Reporter Chen Jung-chen

Ku-Kung-I, Chairman of International CSRC Investment Holdings, has officially announced his candidacy for the chairmanship of the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association. He stated that this was a long-considered decision and that he hopes to gradually establish systems to reconnect Taiwanese basketball with Asia and the world.

The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association will hold its election for chairman and directors on May 31 at the Changhua County Council. The candidates for the chairmanship were determined by a public draw today, including Ku-Kung-I, Keelung City Council Speaker Tung Tzu-wei, and lawyer Chang Ching-yun.

Ku explained his reasons for running in a statement, mentioning that basketball has always been his favorite sport since he was a child. From the epic battles in the former Chinese Basketball Alliance (CBA), to the Jones Cup games where Taiwan's men's team faced Japan and South Korea, and even cheering for Tsai Hsing High School in the High School Basketball League (HBL), to the games of the two professional leagues in recent years, "Basketball grew up with me."

Ku mentioned that he has expressed his willingness to serve as a bridge for communication and integration in Taiwan's basketball community over the past few years, but had never taken the step forward. Now, after careful consideration, he has decided to run for the chairmanship of the basketball association, hoping to build up the system step by step.

Ku listed several plans, from establishing a complete training and development system for elementary schools, providing better systems and advanced training opportunities for referees and coaches, to promoting a permanent national team, assisting in more collaborations for professional basketball, and hoping for more attention on grassroots student basketball, 3x3 basketball, and women's basketball in Taiwan.

Ku specifically pointed out that Taiwan's women's basketball has a good foundation and the potential to achieve good results in international competitions, thus deserving more resources and planning. The ultimate goal is for Taiwanese basketball to improve and reconnect with Asia and the world in the future.

Additionally, the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association noted that a false list of candidates for chairman and directors has been circulating online recently, with many individuals unaware that they were listed. The statement emphasized that the association will strictly maintain electoral neutrality and conduct the election in a fair, just, and open manner. Anyone attempting to influence the election's fairness through rumors or other illegal means will have relevant evidence submitted to prosecutors and police for investigation. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150513