Ricky Lim, president of Karate Pilipinas, has been handed the biggest assignment of his sports administration career — leading the entire Philippine delegation to the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games — after the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) named him chef de mission (CdM) on Thursday, filling the void left by Al Panlilio’s abrupt resignation.

POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed the appointment during the organization’s General Assembly at East Ocean Restaurant in Pasay City, praising Lim’s proven track record leading Filipino athletes on the international stage.

Panlilio Steps Down Over Business Commitments

Panlilio, who was elected president of the golf association last April, tendered his resignation as CdM last Monday, citing an inability to fully commit to the demanding role.

“Al [Panlilio] admitted to us that it would be unfair to everyone if he cannot give his 100 percent commitment as chef de mission for our Filipino athletes and delegates in the Asian Games,” Tolentino said. “We accepted his resignation.”

Tolentino pointed to Panlilio’s expanding business portfolio — including his recent appointment as chairman of cryptocurrency firm BlockShoals Technologies on July 1 — as the driving force behind his decision to step away from the Asian Games post.

Lim Brings Proven Asiad Experience to the Role

Tolentino expressed full confidence in Lim’s readiness for the assignment, pointing to his extensive background leading Philippine delegations at major multi-sport events.

“Ricky Lim is already familiar with the job after serving as chef de mission to the Harbin Asian Winter Games in China last February 2025 and as deputy chef de mission to the Bahrain Asian Youth Games last year,” Tolentino said.

Lim will be backed by a deputy CdM team composed of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy, Jarryd Bello of Curling Pilipinas, Alexander Sulit of the Philippine Judo Federation and Jop Malonzo of vovinam.

The Karate Pilipinas chief now takes charge of a 430-strong Philippine contingent headlined by Paris Olympics double gold medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo, as the country competes in 40 of the 43 sports at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, set for September 19 to October 4.