Team Philippines confident in medal prospects at 2025 Chengdu World Games

As the 2025 World Games open Thursday evening at the Tianfu International Convention Centre, Team Philippines arrives with high hopes of bringing home gold.

Leading the Filipino delegation in the opening parade are wushu superstar Agatha Wong and wakeboarding champion Raph Trinidad. The ceremony, billed as a grand showcase of heritage and innovation set against an urban backdrop, promises a night to remember.

“I’m excited because it’s my first time participating in an opening ceremony. I just want to enjoy it and take in the whole experience,” said Wong, a five-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and two-time World Championships silver medalist.

Set for 8 p.m., the organizers have chosen a unique venue for the event — under the wooden eaves of a grand gallery near the scenic Qinhuang Lake, instead of the usual stadium setting. The open-air atmosphere adds a serene touch to the spectacle.

Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc will join the flag bearers and other Filipino athletes during the parade. All members of the delegation are encouraged to participate in the festivities, as long as it doesn’t conflict with their training or travel schedules.

The Philippine team, supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee under President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, is set to witness a one-of-a-kind torch-lighting ceremony on water. The symbolic handover will be carried out via motorboat, leading to a dramatic ignition performed by skiers. The ceremony will culminate in a three-part fireworks display and vibrant Sichuan-inspired performances.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio is expected to attend, joining top Chinese officials and World Games dignitaries led by President José Perurena López.

#TWG2025 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Get ready to witness the first action of our #TeamPhilippines in the Men’s Indoor Floorball at The World Games in Chengdu! 💥#WeAreTheWorldGames pic.twitter.com/NMC5E6N1Hz

— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) August 7, 2025

Among the country’s top medal contenders is 14-year-old muay thai prodigy Rudzma Abubakar, along with billiards stars Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno, 10-ball specialist Jeff de Luna, and jiu-jitsu standouts Annie Ramirez and Kaila Napolis—both of whom previously medaled at the Asian Games.

The Philippines’ campaign officially begins with the men’s floorball team, which takes on Latvia at 9 a.m. at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre. Coached by Noel Mendoza, the 14-man squad—ranked 12th in the world—was the first to arrive in Chengdu, settling in last Sunday and already hitting the practice floor by Tuesday night.

“We’re feeling strong and fully prepared. The squad is ready to compete,” said Philippine Floorball Association President Marco Ortiz.

One of the key players to watch is forward Melvin Mendoza, a seasoned athlete with multiple international stints under his belt, including a silver medal performance at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and appearances in three World Championships.

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