The Philippines has formally secured its hosting rights for the Seventh Cebu Asian Beach Games (ABG) in 2028 following a high-level courtesy call between Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.

The meeting was described as a significant milestone in regional sports diplomacy, marking the first time OCA leadership engaged directly with a sitting Philippine president inside the Palace. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed the development alongside Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio.

According to Tolentino, Sheikh Al Thani emphasized the importance of strengthening sports cooperation and reaffirmed support for the Philippines’ hosting of the 2028 Asian Beach Games. The discussion also covered broader collaboration in athlete development and regional sports partnerships.

Official turnover of hosting rights

The meeting followed the formal turnover of the Asian Beach Games flag during the closing ceremonies of the Sixth ABG in Sanya. This symbolic handover confirmed the Philippines as the next host nation for the multi-sport beach event.

The Cebu Asian Beach Games is scheduled from March 7 to 16, 2028. The Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission have appointed Ramon “Tats” Suzara as president and CEO of the Cebu ABG Organizing Committee.

Suzara will oversee preparations for the international sporting event, which is expected to bring together athletes from across Asia in multiple beach and coastal sports disciplines.

Sports cooperation and development focus

Sheikh Al Thani, who also serves as president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, discussed with President Marcos Jr. the importance of expanding sports cooperation in the region. The talks included athlete training programs, institutional partnerships, and opportunities for the Philippines to host future international competitions.

Tolentino noted that the engagement highlights growing confidence in the Philippines as a reliable destination for major sporting events. He added that the discussions reinforce long-term collaboration in sports development across Asia.

The Presidential Communications Office also described the meeting as a strong affirmation of the Philippines’ credibility in advancing sports excellence and regional cooperation.

Strengthening regional sports position

Philippine sports officials view the 2028 Asian Beach Games as a major opportunity to further strengthen the country’s position in the regional sports landscape. The event is expected to contribute to sports tourism, infrastructure development, and international visibility.

The Cebu hosting rights are also seen as part of a broader strategy to attract more international competitions to the Philippines in the coming years. Officials emphasized that this aligns with ongoing efforts to develop sports as both a competitive and economic sector.

The Philippines is expected to begin early preparations for venue development, logistics planning, and coordination with international sports bodies ahead of the 2028 staging.