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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Tolentino confident PH can surpass Hangzhou Asiad haul

Tolentino confident PH can surpass Hangzhou Asiad haul

Published Aug 24, 2026 07:15 pm

At A Glance

  • Despite the absence of several big names, rising stars are poised to carry Team Philippines' medal hopes at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan next month.
POC prexy Bambol Tolentino (POC)
POC prexy Bambol Tolentino (POC)
Despite the absence of several big names, rising stars are poised to carry Team Philippines’ medal hopes at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan next month.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino remains confident the Nationals can surpass their four-gold, two-silver and five-bronze haul in Hangzhou despite several withdrawals.
“May mga nawala pero meron ding nadagdag… Marami tayong ibang panghuhugutan [ng medals],” Tolentino said.
Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo and swimmer Kayla Sanchez headline the medal hopefuls, alongside rising stars Naomi Cesar, Eldrew Yulo and skateboarder Mazel Paris Alegado.
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is also set to compete in women’s singles and doubles.
The country will also chase its first eSports medal since the discipline became a regular Asiad event in the last edition, entering six events: Honor of Kings, Identity V, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Naraka: Bladepoint, Pokémon Unite and Puyo-Puyo Champions.
In boxing, Eumir Marcial will miss the Games due to a scheduling conflict, with Weljon Mindoro a possible replacement. Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas will lead the six-pug squad in pursuit of the country’s first Asiad boxing gold since 2010.
Triathlete Kira Ellis also withdrew after suffering knee injuries in a car accident and will be replaced by Kim Mangrobang.
Gilas Pilipinas, meanwhile, will defend its Asian Games basketball title, although key players AJ Edu and Dwight Ramos could miss the tournament due to club commitments.
The Philippines is expected to send 443 athletes across 38 sports, bigger than its 395-athlete, 37-sport delegation in Hangzhou.
“Marami pa rin tayong pagkukunan ng medals… kaya dapat kaya nating malagpasan ‘yong record natin noong nakaraan,” Tolentino said.

Related Tags

Asian Games POC Bambol Tolentino Carlos Yulo Mazel Paris Alegado Eumir Marcial
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