Setter Owa Retamar. Volleyball World/file photo
Alas Pilipinas Men playmaker Owa Retamar will be reinforcing the national team for its 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 campaign.
Retamar, the first Filipino volleyball import to play professionally in Europe, has been suiting up for Azerbaijan’s Ordu Sports Club.
With a window clearing him for national team responsibilities, Retamar is set to rejoin the squad in the continental showcase.
“This goes beyond contracts or obligations. When the country calls, you play for something bigger than yourself. I’m grateful to Ordu for allowing me to represent the Philippines, and after the Asian Games, I will return with the same commitment to fulfill my responsibilities to the club,” he said.
After the Asiad, the National University product will rejoin Ordu in Turkey, where the club will continue its preparations for the European Cup and the season ahead.
But before that, Retamar is realizing a dream he had always looked forward to fulfilling.
“This is for the young Owa who had all of these on his bucket list—to play in the SEA Games, the World Championship, and now the Asian Games. Playing with the Philippine team will always be a mix of excitement and challenge. Let’s set aside the noise and focus on supporting each other and playing as one team.”