Manila, Philippines, May 2, 2026: The President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr., received H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, at Malacanang Palace on Friday, May 1.
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen sports cooperation in support of the development of the Olympic movement across Asia, as well as a number of topics of mutual interest.
H.E. the OCA President congratulated President Marcos, known colloquially as “PBBM”, on the outstanding results achieved by the Philippine delegation at the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, and also extended his congratulations on Cebu City being awarded the honour of hosting the 7th Asian Beach Games in 2028.
Other VIPs attending the meeting included the OCA Director General, Mr. Husain Al Musallam, and the President of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Mr. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
The Philippines finished in fifth place in the final medal rankings at Sanya 2026 with three gold medals, four silver and two bronze medals for nine total medals. Their three gold medals came in jiu jitsu (2) and beach athletics (men’s high jump).
