In a momentous ceremony held on Monday at the Conifer Resort in Sanya, China, the Philippines officially secured its role as host of the 7th Asian Beach Games in 2028. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani signed the host city contract, cementing Cebu as the venue for the prestigious multi-sport event.
Excitement and Readiness for Back-to-Back Events
Tolentino expressed immense enthusiasm about the country’s upcoming sporting calendar, which includes two major events in quick succession. “We’re very excited for our country to host two big events — The Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games next year in December, then after three months, the Asian Beach Games in March 2028,” he said. He emphasized that this marks a significant return to hosting OCA events after a long hiatus.
Highlighting the government’s sports tourism program, Tolentino noted, “It’s part of the government’s sports tourism program. So, this is it. We’re excited. Will it cause a headache? I don’t think so. We’re used to hosting big sporting events.” The POC chief expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to manage the logistics of back-to-back international competitions.
Preparations Underway and Upcoming Unveilings
Preparations for both the SEA Plus Youth Games and the Cebu Asian Beach Games are already in progress. Tolentino revealed that the official logos and mascots for both events are scheduled to be unveiled in June. “Preparations are already underway in both events. We have the logos and mascots. But we will announce it during a scheduled coordination meeting in June,” he stated. He described the simultaneous hosting as “hitting two birds in one stone,” with the SEA Plus Youth Games taking place in Manila and the Asian Beach Games in Cebu.
The Philippine Sports Commission, under Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, is fully supporting these initiatives, aligning with the mandate of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee. Tolentino underscored the broader significance: “It's very important. Not only in sports tourism. The last time we hosted a similar, although different, Games was in 2019 during the Manila SEA Games.”
Expanded Participation and Future Prospects
The SEA Plus Youth Games, an Under-16 event, is expected to draw participants from beyond Southeast Asia, including countries from Central Asia such as Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Tolentino noted that he received congratulations from his counterparts in Chinese Taipei and Macau, who have confirmed their participation. “In December next year, youth athletes will enjoy Manila with their parents because it will be an Under-16 event,” he added.
Regarding the Asian Beach Games, Tolentino highlighted the Philippines’ strong performance in beach sports, currently ranking third in the ongoing Sanya games. “But the Asian Beach Games will be different. Right now, we’re in third place (here in Sanya), which solidifies the Philippines’ status as a country that can excel in the sands,” he remarked.
