Forty-seven Filipino athletes are set to represent the country in the 12th World Games happening from August 7 to 17 in Chengdu, China. Spearheading the delegation are wushu standout Agatha Wong and wakeboarding champion Raph Trinidad, who will serve as flag bearers at the opening ceremony.

This year marks the largest Philippine delegation in the history of the World Games, which features sports not included in the Olympics. Since its debut in 1981, the Philippines has earned two gold, five silver, and five bronze medals in the event.

Wong and Trinidad honored as flag bearers

Agatha Wong, 27, a five-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and two-time world championships silver medalist, will compete in women’s taolu taijiquan bare hands and sword. She earned her spot with a silver medal at the 2023 World Wushu Games in Texas.

“I’m grateful to carry the flag. I feel so blessed about the opportunity to compete in the World Games for the first time,” said Wong during a POC-organized photo shoot at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Trinidad, gold medalist at the IWWF Asia and Oceania Championships held in Pampanga earlier this year, will also make his World Games debut.

“It means a lot for me. I expect a tough competition. I’m also thankful to be named flag bearer,” said Trinidad.

Philippines targets improved performance in Chengdu

The Philippine Olympic Committee, led by president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, is optimistic about a better medal haul in Chengdu compared to the 2022 edition in Birmingham, where karate’s Junna Tsukii bagged the lone gold.

“Our largest delegation yet. I’m praying for more medals, especially gold,” Tolentino said.

The delegation includes billiards legend Rubilen Amit, fellow cue artists Jeffrey De Luna and Chezka Centeno, jiu-jitsu stars Kayla Napolis and Annie Ramirez, kickboxer Hergie Bacyadan, Muay fighter Rudzma Abubakar, powerlifters Joyce Reboton and Reggie Ramirez, sambo’s Aislinn Yap, and triathletes Kim Mangrobang, Franklin Yee, Bea Quiambao, Maynard Pecson, John Patrick Ciron, and Merry Joy Trupa.

Also competing are wakeboarder Eric Ordonez, wushu athletes Faith Collado, Carlos Baylon, and Jones Inso. Team Philippines will also field a 14-member floorball squad and a 12-strong dragon boat team. Dr. Jose Raul Canlas serves as the delegation’s chef de mission.