Philippines confident of strong Asian Games showing in 2026 after SEA Games success

The Philippine contingent delivered an impressive campaign at the recently concluded 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, hauling in 50 gold medals, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes for a total of 277 medals to place sixth overall in the standings.

Buoyed by that strong showing, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expressed confidence that Team Philippines can carry its momentum into the 20th Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya, Japan.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio believes Filipino athletes are capable of making a significant impact on the Asian Games stage, particularly with gymnastics star Carlos Yulo expected to spearhead the national campaign. In the previous Asian Games held in 2023 in Hangzhou, China, Team Philippines secured four gold medals, two silvers, and 12 bronzes for a total of 18 medals.

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“For the Asian Games, we need to tweak the selection because the level is higher. I think it is possible to win again because Carlos Yulo can win two or three gold medals, EJ Obiena is still there, and Elreen Ando is there,” Gregorio said during a press conference.

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WATCH: Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio shared his thoughts on the steady rise of the country’s gymnastics program and its impact on developing future Filipino athletes.

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Beyond the established medal contenders, Gregorio is also optimistic about a rising crop of young athletes who he believes can use their SEA Games experience as a springboard to greater success.

“We also have young athletes like Mazel Paris Alegado, an 11-year-old skateboarder, and Albert de los Santos, a 19-year-old weightlifter who is a world record holder in juniors. Naomi Cesar is only 16-years-old. When you look at her, it looks like she is just playing, but when she competes, you ask, ‘Where did that come from?,” he added.

While the Philippines has steadily emerged as a stronger force in regional competition, the country has yet to surpass its best Asian Games gold-medal output of 14, achieved during the 1954 edition when it served as host.

With a blend of proven stars and promising young talent, it remains to be seen whether Team Philippines can build on its recent successes and rise to the challenge at the Asian Games, where the level of competition is markedly higher than at the regional SEA Games.

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