“We will have more participants”: PATAFA sets sights on bigger athletics push for Cebu 2028 Asian Beach Games 

A small but impactful campaign in Sanya may have just reshaped the long-term vision of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.

Coming off a gold-silver-bronze medal haul in the 6th Asian Beach Games, the federation is already looking ahead—not just to compete, but to transform its presence when the Philippines hosts the 2028 edition in Cebu. 

What began as a modest seven-athlete delegation in China is now expected to evolve into a broader, more ambitious contingent spanning multiple disciplines.

“So, definitely we will have more participants. Prior to our hosting, we’ll have our own qualifying as well. Siyempre, mas paghahandaan natin,” said PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco.

The confidence stems from a campaign that exceeded expectations despite limited exposure to beach athletics. Leonard Grospe led the charge with a gold medal in men’s high jump, while Jessica Laurance added a bronze in the women’s 60m dash. 

The team capped its run with a silver medal in the 4x60m relay, courtesy of Laurance, Kristina Knott, Shane Ponce, and Lianne Pama—completing a full podium set for the country.

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SILVER MEDAL PARA SA ‘PINAS!

Naitala nina Kristina Knott, Shane Ponce, Lianne Pama, at Jessica Laurance ng Team Philippines ang 29.73 segundo para masungkit ang silver medal sa women’s 4×60 relay sa 6th Asian Beach Games sa Sanya, China ngayong Linggo, Abril 26.

(Courtesy:… pic.twitter.com/VvzRVhIJYQ

— Pilipinas Today (@PilipinasToday_) April 26, 2026

“Nakita nyo naman, medyo challenge with the high jump also. Siyempre, mga first time din nung ibang athletes natin. Karamihan actually na first time nila to compete sa beach. Kasi last time nito was 2016, if I’m not mistaken… Mas paghahandaan pa natin na tayo yung mag-host po,” Tanhueco said.

The unfamiliarity of sand-based competition didn’t stop the Filipinos from delivering, but it did highlight the importance of preparation. Early arrival in Sanya proved crucial, giving athletes valuable time to adjust—something Tanhueco credits as a decisive advantage.

“Thank you rin kay PSC and POC kasi given na mas maaga po kami talaga. So, mayroon silang enough days to adjust, enough days to try yung sand. Kasi pag, siyempre, mas late tayo dumating, mas konti yung adjustment. Papasalamat po kami kay POC na maaga rin kami pinapunta dito na nag-result din po ng medal natin,” he said.

With Cebu 2028 on the horizon, PATAFA is not just planning to increase numbers—it is also exploring innovation. 

Among the most intriguing possibilities is the inclusion of pole vault in a beach setting, inspired by similar competitions abroad.

“I think yung isang way na maganda is yung pole vault event, which is ginagawa po ito sa Busan. Sa sand, may runway lang yung pole vault. So, maganda po ito,” Tanhueco stated.

Such a move could spotlight EJ Obiena, widely regarded as Asia’s top pole vaulter, while also opening doors for emerging talents to gain international exposure in a unique format.

“Tayo yung number one in Asia with the name of EJ Obiena. So, it’s a good na mapanood din. Hopefully, I mean, I’m not saying na meron kagad, pero tayo yung host. Let’s see,” he added.

From a seven-athlete experiment to a full-scale hosting ambition, PATAFA’s beach games journey is shifting from participation to possibility—one that could redefine how Philippine athletics embraces new terrain on home soil. 

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