MANILA – Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino is confident the country's athletes can improve upon the four gold medals that they won in the 2022 Asian Games in this year's edition.
With one month left before the continental showcase in Aichi–Nagoya, Tolentino led a briefing with accredited members of the POC Media on Wednesday in Manila, as part of preparations for the upcoming Asiad.
The POC chief highlighted several sports where the country has high medal chances.
In the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, China, the Philippines won four gold medals courtesy of jiu-jitsu athletes Annie Ramirez and Meggie Ochoa, Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and the men's 5x5 basketball team.
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"Kailangan malampasan naman natin your four [gold medals] kahit pa may obstacle or what.. Ang dami pa nating mapagkukunan [ng medals], may mga dagdag. May paghuhugutan niyan, whether team [or] individual," Tolentino told POC Media.
Among the sports that raised the optimism of the POC chief are gymnastics, which features two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and his brother, FIG World Cup gold medalist Eldrew Yulo, and athletics, led by Obiena.
"EJ [Obiena] nakita niyo yung performance, linggo linggo siya nakaka-gold. 5.9m na siya going to 6m," the POC chief said.
Tolentino highlighted martial arts and combat sports, where athletes consistently produce medals at the Asian Games.
JJIF World Champions Ramirez and Kimberly Custodio lead the jiu-jitsu squad, looking to carry the momentum from their previous competitions.
Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and Paris Olympics bronze medalist Aira Villegas will banner the boxing team.
Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial's participation will depend on the result of his professional fight, which will happen on the Asiad opening day.
"Si Eumir lalaro ng September 19 sa [Las] Vegas. Usapan, nasa pool parin siya, nasa 80 kg pa rin siya. Pag na knockout niya ng maaga, takbo siya sa Nagoya. Kasi first fight niya 23 or 24 pa eh," the POC chief explained.
Tolentino likewise identified aquatics, led by two-time Olympic medalist Kayla Sanchez; judo, highlighted by Chino Sy Tancontian; beach volleyball, golf, and esports as events where the country can bring home medals.
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines acknowledges the crowd after losing to Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during day eight of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 09, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. Matthew Stockman, Getty Images/AFP
Tennis ace Alex Eala, who is currently ranked No. 20 in the world, is also expected to represent the flag in the continental showcase.
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Gilas Pilipinas are the defending champions in Asiad men's basketball. But with key players unavailable for the continental meet, it's going to be a challenging title defense.
"Ang daming hindi pinayagan. Hindi pinayagan si Dwight [Ramos]. Yung mga Japan, Korea players natin hindi pinayagan kasi sila yung kalaban. Hindi pinayagan, tapos may kasabay pang FIBA World Asia qualifying. Ang bigat. Sana maano parin natin," Tolentino said.
The POC chief said it is all systems go for the over 400-strong delegation from the Philippines heading to Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
"Ready na tayo especially media, POC Media with this briefing and meeting. All set. Ready for action," Tolentino said.
The 20th Asian Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.