The Philippine delegation received a significant boost for the 2026 Asian Games after four additional taekwondo slots were awarded for the continental competition set from September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya and Aichi, Japan.

The newly allocated berths include two slots each in poomsae and kyorugi, providing the country with more opportunities to compete for medals against Asia’s top athletes.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed optimism that the added entries would strengthen the nation’s campaign as it seeks to surpass its performance in Hangzhou 2022.

The Philippines collected four gold medals, two silver medals, and 12 bronze medals during the previous edition of the Asian Games in China.

Medal hopes increase

Tolentino emphasized the growing difficulty of winning medals at the Asian Games, noting that the level of competition has reached standards comparable to the Olympics.

“Competition at the Asian Games has already become that high level and elite so winning medals are close to the degree of difficulty in the Olympics,” Tolentino said.

In addition to the new taekwondo slots, the host cities also allocated a berth in para taekwondo, further expanding opportunities for Filipino athletes.

The latest development follows the recent qualification of the Philippine men’s and women’s indoor volleyball teams, which generated excitement across the local volleyball community ahead of the Games.

The continued addition of qualifying spots has strengthened expectations that the Philippines could field one of its largest delegations in recent Asian Games history.

Stars lead campaign

The Philippine Olympic Committee is expected to send more than 700 athletes to Nagoya and Aichi as the country looks to build on its success from Hangzhou.

Leading the delegation will be Paris 2024 Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo and world-class pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who remains the reigning Asian Games champion and record holder in his event.

Attention will also focus on the Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team, which reclaimed the Asian Games gold medal in Hangzhou under coach Tim Cone after defeating host China in a dramatic tournament run.

Jiu-jitsu contributed two of the country’s four gold medals during the previous Games through Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, although Ochoa has since retired from competition.

The Philippine Olympic Committee is also expecting additional qualifiers in esports, modern pentathlon, and kyorugi as preparations continue for the continent’s premier multi-sport event.