The Philippines is sending a powerhouse delegation to the 2025 Chengdu World Games, which kicks off Thursday, August 7, in the bustling Chinese megacity. A mix of grizzled veterans and rising stars, the 47-strong team is set to compete in the premier global event for non-Olympic sports, which will run for 11 days and host thousands of athletes from around the world.

The second wave of the Philippine contingent departs Tuesday, August 5, from Manila and Hong Kong, reinforcing the strong national presence. The men’s floorball team already arrived on Sunday to acclimate to the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre, a vast arena famously shaped like a lotus leaf when viewed from above. Their first test will be against Latvia at 9 a.m. on opening day.

Trinidad and Wong to lead PH parade of athletes

Leading the flag during the opening ceremony will be wakeboard standout Raph Trinidad and wushu icon Agatha Wong, both of whom are expected to bring star power and medal hopes. The two, along with wushu teammate Jones Inso, will fly out of Manila early Tuesday via Air China, heading straight to Chengdu through Tianfu, the event’s main entry hub.

“I am deeply grateful for the incredible honor and opportunity to showcase to the world that Filipinos have the talent and spirit to excel in wakeboarding,” said Trinidad, who trained extensively at Deca Wakepark Clark in Pampanga. “While I can’t predict the outcome, one thing is certain — I will give my absolute best. This is for my family, for everyone, and for the wakeboarding community.”

Wake surfing athlete Eric Ordonez, traveling from Hong Kong, is scheduled to land in the mainland later Tuesday. Both he and Trinidad aim to qualify for the semifinals on August 8 at the Sancha Lake Taohuadao Arena, while Wong and Inso will compete in wushu taolu at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Gymnasium on the same day.

The biggest wave of athletes arrives Wednesday, including the 12-man dragon boat team, muay thai standout Rudzma Abubakar, and duathlon leader Kim Mangrobang, all of whom will settle into the Athletes’ Village, known as “Chengdu Home,” which can accommodate 7,000 participants.

A final batch of Filipino medal hopefuls, including billiards legends Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno, 10-ball ace Jeff de Luna, and Asian Games jiu-jitsu medalists Annie Ramirez and Kaila Napolis, will arrive Friday.