Manila, Philippines, April 16, 2026: Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino declared it’s all systems go for the participation of 101 athletes in the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China from April 22-30, The Manila Times reports.
“Everything and everyone’s ready from opening to closing,” Tolentino said.
Backed by the POC and the Philippine Sports Commission, two-time Asian Beach Games jiu-jitsu gold medalist Annie Ramirez will lead the Filipino athletes’ campaign in the picturesque Chinese island resort. Another jiu-jitsu standout, Kaila Napolis, will also see action in the continental showpiece.
Team Philippines is also pinning its hopes on the women’s beach volleyball team of 2025 SEA Games gold medal-winner Sunny Villapando, who will team up this time with Sofiah Pagara, Khyle Progella and Grydelle Matibag.
Other Pinoy bets include formidable basketball 3x3 quartets and Raven Alcoseba, Erika Burgos, Andrew Remolino, Inaki Lorbes and Matthew Hermosa in triathlon.
“It’s been 10 years since the last Asian Beach Games,” said Tolentino, referring to the fifth ABG in 2016 in Da Nang, Vietnam.
“But we have athletes in jiu-jitsu, beach volleyball and handball, and we have, too, in wrestling and triathlon,” he added.
The Philippines have so far won five gold, 10 silver and 35 bronze medals in the ABG.