MANILA – Team Philippines will send the majority of its 101 athletes to China today, Monday, ahead of the 6th Asian Beach Games (ABG) opening ceremony scheduled later this week in Sanya.
The continental beach sports meet returns after a decade-long pause, with the Philippine delegation aiming for strong finishes across multiple disciplines.
Jiu-jitsu standout and two-time world champion Annie Ramirez has been chosen to carry the national flag during the opening ceremony and parade of athletes at Yasha Park Phase 1 Ring Theater in the resort island city.
Looking ahead, the Philippines is also preparing to host the next Asian Beach Games in Cebu City in 2028.
Philippine Olympic Committee chief Abraham Tolentino emphasized both competition and hosting responsibilities for the country.
“We look forward to this important event as future host of the Asian Beach Games. We aim to highlight not just our athletes’ achievements but also our capability as organizers,” Tolentino said in a Sunday statement.
During the closing ceremony on April 30, Cebu officials Mayor Nestor Archival and Governor Pamela Baricuatro will join Tolentino in formally receiving the ABG flag.
The Philippine team will compete in several sports including 3×3 basketball, open water swimming, water polo, aquathlon, beach athletics, beach handball, beach kabaddi, beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, dragon boat racing, jiu-jitsu, sailing, sport climbing, and teqball.
Among the medal contenders are Ramirez and Kaila Napolis, as well as the women’s beach volleyball team composed of Sunny Villapando, Sofiah Pagara, Khyle Progella, and Grydelle Matibag.
Other athletes expected to contend for podium finishes include the 3×3 basketball squads and triathletes Raven Alcoseba and Erika Burgos for the women’s division, along with Andrew Remolino, Inaki Lorbes, and Matthew Hermosa for the men.
Since its debut in 2008 in Bali, the Asian Beach Games has seen Philippine athletes collect five gold, 10 silver, and 35 bronze medals across editions held in Oman (2010), Haiyang, China (2012), and Phuket, Thailand (2014).
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