Calling for Ku Zhongliang’s bonus to be 100 million yuan, Guo Guen apologized and said it was a soft suggestion Central News Agency CNA |
Taiwan’s baseball team won the world’s top 12 baseball tournament by defeating Japan 4-0 on the 24th. Chairman of the Baseball Association, Kuo Chung-liang, expressed a desire to raise the championship bonus to NT$100 million and will begin negotiations.
Kuo stated that the team’s win was historic and announced a bonus of 30 million yuan, with the total distribution for the coach team, players, and logistics reaching 70 million yuan. Guo Guwen, a prominent figure, criticized the bonus on Facebook, advocating for an increase to 100 million yuan.
Guo’s comments spurred online discussion and criticism. In response, he clarified that his comments were meant to encourage donations and not to pressure anyone emotionally. He praised Kuo’s contributions to baseball in Taiwan.
How is the increased bonus for the players expected to affect youth baseball programs in Taiwan?
Title: Taiwan’s Historic Baseball Victory: An Interview with Kuo Chung-liang, Chairman of the Baseball Association
Date: October 25, 2023
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Kuo Chung-liang. First, congratulations on Taiwan’s remarkable victory over Japan in the world’s top 12 baseball tournament! How do you feel about this historic achievement?
Kuo Chung-liang: Thank you! This victory is indeed historic for Taiwan. Our team demonstrated incredible skill and determination throughout the tournament, and beating Japan in the finals is something we will cherish for a long time. This win is not just a testament to the players’ hard work but also to the support from our fans and the entire baseball community in Taiwan.
Interviewer: You announced a bonus of 30 million yuan for the team. What prompted the desire to negotiate for an increase to NT$100 million?
Kuo Chung-liang: The victory calls for recognition. We initially set the bonus at 30 million yuan, but the sense of pride and celebration among the public has led me to believe that we should raise this amount. The NT$100 million figure not only reflects the significance of the achievement but also serves to inspire future generations of baseball players in Taiwan. I believe in recognizing excellence, and this is a step toward that.
Interviewer: Guo Guwen’s criticism of the initial bonus stirred quite a bit of discussion online. How do you respond to his comments?
Kuo Chung-liang: I appreciate Guo Guwen’s passion for baseball and his desire to promote the sport. Throughout this process, I’ve always welcomed open dialogue about the future of baseball in Taiwan, and Guo’s comments have indeed sparked importance discussions. His intention, as he later clarified, is to encourage donations for baseball development, which I fully support.
Interviewer: Guo mentioned wanting to support baseball development in Taiwan. How do you plan to use the bonus and any further funds raised?
Kuo Chung-liang: The bonus will be distributed amongst the players, coaching staff, and logistics team, amounting to 70 million yuan in total compensation. Beyond that, any additional funding we manage to secure will go towards developing youth programs, improving facilities, and enhancing training for aspiring baseball players across Taiwan. Building a solid foundation is essential for the continued success of our national team.
Interviewer: You have committed to covering certain broadcasting costs related to this championship. Can you elaborate on your plans for this support?
Kuo Chung-liang: Yes, I am dedicated to ensuring that our players and the sport receive as much exposure as possible. By covering broadcasting costs, I hope we can bring more games to fans and create more engaging experiences around baseball in Taiwan. It’s crucial that we continue to build our audience and inspire young athletes to pursue baseball.
Interviewer: Lastly, what message do you have for the fans who supported the team throughout the tournament?
Kuo Chung-liang: To all the fans out there, thank you! Your unwavering support has been our backbone throughout this journey. We celebrate this victory with you, and we promise to continue working hard to elevate baseball in Taiwan. Let’s build on this momentum together!
Interviewer: Thank you, Kuo Chung-liang, for sharing your insights and for your dedication to promoting baseball in Taiwan. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for the sport.
Kuo Chung-liang: Thank you for having me! Together, we can make baseball an even bigger part of our cultural identity.
Guo acknowledged the public’s happiness about the team’s victory and stated that while he values the bonus amount, he aims to support baseball development in Taiwan.
In addition, Guo committed to covering certain broadcasting costs related to the championship, affirming his dedication to the sport.