TENNIS STANDOUT Alex Eala and gymnastics star Carlos Yulo are leading a 464-member Philippine delegation set to compete in 39 sporting events at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The Philippine Olympic Committee has submitted the country’s official roster, featuring a mix of established champions, Olympic medalists, rising stars and returning Asian Games gold medalists.
Eala enters the continental showcase as one of the Philippines’ strongest medal hopes. Ranked No. 18 in the world, the Filipina is currently second among Asian players behind Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who is not participating in the Asian Games.
Eala is also looking to improve on her performance in Hangzhou, China, where she captured bronze medals in the women’s singles and mixed doubles events.
Yulo, meanwhile, will pursue a breakthrough Asian Games gold after already establishing himself as one of the world’s premier gymnasts. The two-time Olympic champion heads to Japan with added confidence after winning the men’s floor exercise at the Asian Championships in Zunyi, China, last June.
Several other proven medalists are expected to carry the Philippine campaign.
Annie Ramirez will defend her women’s ne-waza 57kg jiu-jitsu crown after winning gold in Hangzhou. The reigning world champion remains one of the country’s top bets for another title.
Pole vault ace EJ Obiena is also chasing back-to-back Asian Games gold medals. After injury setbacks following the Paris Olympics, where he finished fourth, Obiena returns to competition determined to reclaim his place at the top of Asia.
Gilas Pilipinas will likewise seek to retain its men’s basketball crown after ending a 51-year wait for the country’s first Asian Games gold in the sport in Hangzhou. The roster, however, is expected to look significantly different, with Justin Brownlee the lone holdover from the championship team and his participation still uncertain.
Cyclist Daniel Caluag will attempt another golden run, more than a decade after winning the BMX title at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.
The boxing team will be led by Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas. Petecio already has an Olympic silver and bronze, while Paalam won silver in Tokyo and Villegas claimed bronze in Paris. Eumir Marcial will be absent as he prepares for his television debut.
Swimming star Kayla Sanchez also returns to the Asian Games after making her Philippine debut in Hangzhou. Sanchez entered the competition as the country’s most decorated athlete from the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where she collected eight medals.
Weightlifting will feature world junior champion and world record holder Albert delos Santos and Tokyo Olympian Elreen Ando.
In taekwondo, former world junior champion Tachiana Mangin is set for her Asian Games debut in the women’s 49kg division.
The Philippine delegation will also field teams in volleyball, basketball, football, softball and baseball. Alas Pilipinas’ men’s and women’s volleyball squads, Gilas Pilipinas women, the Filipinas women’s football team, the men’s U-23 side, the Blu Girls and the men’s baseball team are all included.
Wushu bets Jones Inso and Agatha Wong will compete in taijiquan and taijijian, with both bringing strong international credentials to the Asian Games.
The Philippine golf team will feature a blend of professionals and promising young talent, including LPGA Tour players Bianca Pagdanganan and Pauline del Rosario, Japan Tour campaigner Justin delos Santos, Asian Tour veteran Miguel Tabuena and former US Open Amateur and Girls champion Rianne Malixi.
With a deep roster spanning 39 sports, the Philippines will head to Aichi-Nagoya aiming to turn its growing depth and international experience into another strong medal haul on the Asian stage.
