The Philippines has secured official backing from the Olympic Council of Asia to host the Seventh Asian Beach Games in Cebu in 2028 following a high-level meeting between OCA president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang. The endorsement reinforces the country’s position as a growing hub for international sporting events in the region.

The discussions highlighted not only the Philippines’ hosting rights but also broader cooperation in sports development and athlete training programs across Asia. Officials described the engagement as a significant step in strengthening regional sports ties and institutional collaboration.

The meeting also came after the symbolic turnover of the Asian Beach Games flag during the closing ceremony of the previous edition in Sanya, which formally confirmed the Philippines as the next host nation.

OCA support strengthens Cebu 2028 hosting preparations

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said Sheikh Al Thani and President Marcos discussed the importance of deepening sports cooperation alongside preparations for the 2028 Asian Beach Games in Cebu. The dialogue emphasized long-term development goals for Filipino athletes and expanded international engagement.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio also joined the meeting, marking the first time senior OCA officials met with a sitting Philippine president inside Malacañang. The engagement underscored growing confidence in the Philippines as a reliable host of major sporting events.

Tolentino added that the discussions included opportunities for future international competitions and enhanced support systems for athlete development. He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing sports excellence in the region.

Cebu prepares for major international beach sports event

The Philippines is scheduled to host the Asian Beach Games from March 7 to 16, 2028, with Cebu designated as the main venue for the competition. Preparations are expected to intensify as national and local organizers coordinate infrastructure and logistics.

Ramon “Tats” Suzara has been appointed as president and CEO of the Cebu Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee, which will oversee all aspects of event planning and execution. His appointment is expected to streamline coordination between national agencies and local stakeholders.

The Presidential Communications Office said the OCA’s backing reflects strong international confidence in the Philippines as a capable and dependable host. It also noted that the hosting rights are expected to boost sports development and regional cooperation across Asia.

With Cebu now formally confirmed as the host of the 2028 Asian Beach Games, the Philippines moves closer to staging one of the region’s premier beach sports events on home soil.