MANILA — Ricky Lim has been appointed chef de mission of the Philippine delegation to the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games after Al Panlilio resigned from the position, the Philippine Olympic Committee announced Thursday.
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino formally named Lim during the committee’s General Assembly in Pasay City.
According to Tolentino, Panlilio decided to step down because of his increasing commitments in the business sector.
“He admitted that he would not be able to give his full commitment to the responsibilities of chef de mission, and we respected that decision,” Tolentino said.
Panlilio, who was elected head of the national golf association in April, filed his resignation on Monday. Tolentino noted that Panlilio’s various corporate responsibilities, including his appointment as chairman of BlockShoals Technologies on July 1, influenced his decision to leave the post.
Lim is no stranger to the role, having served as chef de mission for the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin and as deputy chef de mission for the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain last year.
Joining him as deputy chiefs of mission are Erika Dy (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas), Jarryd Bello (Curling Pilipinas), Alexander Sulit (Philippine Judo Federation), and Jop Malonzo (Vovinam).
The Philippine contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will consist of 430 athletes competing in 40 sports. Leading the team is Olympic gymnastics champion Carlos Yulo. The Games are scheduled from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Japan.
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