The Philippine Olympic Committee, led by Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, is fully expecting the Philippines to win more than four gold medals in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, thereby surpassing the country’s performance in the last Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, in 2023.
Tolentino’s confidence stems from what appears to be a talent‑laden delegation that will be flying to Japan to represent the Philippines.
“Kailangan malampasan naman natin yung four [gold medals] kahit pa may obstacle or what… Ang dami pa nating mapagkukunan [ng medals], may mga dagdag. May paghuhugutan niyan, whether team [or] individual,” Tolentino told reporters recently.
In the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the Philippines won four gold medals—two from jiu‑jitsu athletes Annie Ramirez and Meggie Ochoa, one from Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and another from Gilas Pilipinas.
EJ Obiena, Yulo Brothers Among Philippines’ Gold‑Medal Bets
Among those Tolentino singled out as potential gold‑medal winners are the Yulo brothers, Carlos and Eldrew, two‑time Olympian Kayla Sanchez, and even Alex Eala.
The POC chief is also high on pole vaulter Obiena, who has won eight gold medals so far in 2026 in different competitions in various countries. Tolentino also has high hopes for Filipino athletes in judo, beach volleyball, golf, and esports.
Tolentino Acknowledges Challenges
While the Philippines has gold‑medal bets in various sports, Tolentino is nonetheless aware that the country’s talent pool has taken a hit lately.
Notably, highly touted triathlete Kira Ellis won’t be joining Team Philippines in Nagoya after suffering injuries from a freak vehicular accident while bike training. Skateboarder Margie Didal, who won gold in the 2018 Asian Games, and Olympian gymnast Aleah Finnegan also are out of the Philippine roster.
Similarly, Gilas Pilipinas, who are the defending champions in 5×5 men’s basketball, will parade a PBA‑only squad since the KBL and Japan B.League have barred Filipino players from competing in the Asian Games. Complicating matters are Justin Brownlee’s continuing health issues, which could keep him out of the quadrennial games as well.
Despite these setbacks, Tolentino is unfazed and is actually very bullish.
“Ready na tayo especially media, POC Media with this briefing and meeting. All set. Ready for action,” Tolentino said.
