Manila, Philippines, August 15, 2026: Two-time Olympic Games medallist Kayla Sanchez will lead the Philippines’ swimming team at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4.
The Singapore-born Sanchez, 25, won a silver and bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games as a member of Canada’s women’s relay team.
The freestyle and backstroke specialist switched allegiances to her parents’ home country of the Philippines in 2023 – and promptly won three gold and five silver medals at the SEA Games in Thailand in 2025.
To honour this achievement, the Senate on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, adopted Resolution No. 31 commending and congratulating Sanchez for her exceptional performance in the 2025 SEA Games.
The Philippine Olympic Committee has announced a seven-strong team for the Asian Games, with the swimming competition taking place over six days from September 20-25 at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre with 41 gold medals at stake.
“The Philippine Olympic Committee is proud to announce the official lineup of the Philippine aquatics team,” the POC said in a social media post.
“Spearheading our campaign is Olympic veteran and SEA Games multi-medalist Kayla Noelle Sanchez.
“She is joined by a powerhouse cast of regional record-breakers and elite rising stars, all primed to bring glory to the country and dominate the pool.”
The team is: Kayla Noelle Sanchez, Xiandi Chua, Teia Isabella Salvino, Miranda Cristina Renner, Heather White, Gian Christopher Santos and Logan Wataru Noguchi.
“Let us show our full support for our national swimmers as they dive into action and represent the flag. Laban (fight) Pilipinas!”