POC confirms 101-athlete delegation for Asian Beach Games 2026

The Philippine Olympic Committee (Philippine Olympic Committee) has confirmed that Team Philippines is fully prepared for its participation in the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games, set to be held from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, China.

POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence that all logistical and sporting preparations are in place as the country sends a 101-athlete delegation to compete across multiple disciplines in the continental beach sports showcase.

Tolentino also highlighted the importance of the closing ceremony, where the Philippines is set to take center stage as the official host of the next edition of the Games in 2028, which will be staged in Cebu.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

“Everything and everyone’s ready from opening to closing. We are also focused on the closing ceremony in Sanya, where the Asian Beach Games flag will be turned over to representatives from 2028 host Cebu,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

The symbolic turnover marks a major milestone for Philippine sports, as the country prepares to host a continental multi-sport event for beach and coastal disciplines for the first time in history, further boosting its profile in international sporting governance.

My fanart of Yaya. The official mascot of the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China in late April

야야의 팬아트. 싼야 중국에서 하는 2026 해변아시안 아시안게임의 마스코트.#furryart #furryartwork #kemono #digitalart pic.twitter.com/CxgDph3dor

— 에코 디자인 / Ehqo Designs ➡️ FURST CLASS C13 (@Ehqo_Zuma) April 14, 2026

Leading Team Philippines is decorated jiu-jitsu champion Annie Ramirez, a two-time Asian Beach Games gold medalist, who is expected to guide a strong and experienced core of athletes in Sanya. She will be joined by fellow standout Kaila Napolis, as well as key contingents from beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, triathlon, wrestling, and handball.

The Philippine beach volleyball squads and 3×3 basketball teams are also expected to be among the country’s strong medal prospects, alongside endurance-focused entries in triathlon and other combat sports categories. Despite the optimism surrounding the delegation, Tolentino acknowledged the level of competition and the challenge ahead, noting that podium finishes will not come easily.

“It’s been 10 years since the last Beach Games. But we have athletes in jiu-jitsu, beach volleyball, and handball, and we also have entries in wrestling and triathlon,” he added.

The Asian Beach Games returns after a decade-long hiatus, with the last edition held in 2016 in Da Nang, Vietnam. The event has previously been staged in Bali (2008), Muscat, Oman (2010), Haiyang, China (2012), and Phuket, Thailand (2014), reflecting its rotating international footprint across Asia’s coastal sporting hubs.

This year’s edition is expected to gather around 45 National Olympic Committees under the Olympic Council of Asia, with additional participation from invited countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and the Solomon Islands, further elevating the level of competition.

Historically, the Philippines has collected a total of five gold, 10 silver, and 35 bronze medals across its previous Asian Beach Games campaigns, with jiu-jitsu and combat sports consistently providing the country’s strongest performances.

As the delegation departs for Sanya, expectations remain measured but hopeful, with Team Philippines aiming not only to improve its medal tally but also to build momentum ahead of hosting duties in 2028.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.