The Philippines received a major boost in its volleyball campaign after both the Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s indoor teams secured qualification for the Nagoya-Aichi 2026 Asian Games. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed the development on Monday, revealing that the country received official notice from the Asian Volleyball Confederation over the weekend.

The qualification marks another significant achievement for Philippine volleyball, with both national squads earning places in one of Asia’s most prestigious multi-sport events. Tolentino welcomed the news, describing it as an important step forward for the country’s volleyball program as it continues to gain momentum on the continental stage.

The Alas Pilipinas Women booked their place in the Asian Games after being ranked No. 10 among Asian nations in the FIVB standings. Meanwhile, the Alas Pilipinas Men secured qualification through their No. 15 ranking in Asia, allowing them to claim one of the available spots in the tournament.

The indoor volleyball competition will feature 16 teams each in the men’s and women’s divisions and is scheduled to be held in Aichi Prefecture from September 27 to October 3. The men’s field includes powerhouse nations such as Japan, Iran, China, South Korea, and Qatar, alongside other qualifiers from across the continent.

Rankings earn berths

On the women’s side, the Philippines joins a competitive lineup featuring Japan, China, Thailand, South Korea, Kazakhstan, and several other top Asian programs. The qualification was confirmed by Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who relayed the information to Tolentino.

The indoor teams’ qualification completes the Philippines’ volleyball representation at the Asian Games after the country’s beach volleyball squads had already secured their places in the continental event. Leading the beach volleyball contingent are Southeast Asian Games champions Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, who helped the Philippines earn qualification for the competition.

Volleyball entries complete

The Philippine beach volleyball teams will compete against strong opposition from countries including China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and Qatar at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court in Hekinan City. The latest additions further strengthen the country’s projected delegation for the Asian Games, with the POC expected to field at least 700 athletes in Nagoya-Aichi.

Tolentino also expressed hope that the Philippine contingent could continue to grow through additional qualifiers in esports, modern pentathlon, and taekwondo before the Games begin. With both indoor and beach volleyball teams now officially in the fold, the Philippines is set to send one of its most complete volleyball delegations to the Asian Games in recent years.