The Asian Games 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year for Filipino fans.
And honestly, Team Philippines has plenty of reasons to be excited.
We could see Carlos Yulo chasing the Asian Games gold medal that has so far been missing from his incredible résumé. EJ Obiena is preparing to defend his pole vault crown. Gilas Pilipinas will try to repeat its unforgettable championship run from Hangzhou. Alex Eala has the Asian Games in her plans. Then there are strong Philippine teams in volleyball, football, swimming, combat sports, weightlifting, esports and many more.
The 20th Asian Games will officially take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, although some competitions begin before the Opening Ceremony. In fact, sporting action starts as early as September 10.
So if you’re planning to follow Team Philippines, here’s my complete guide to the 2026 Asian Games, including the schedule, sports, Filipino athletes to watch, Philippine teams, venues, where to watch and other important updates.
Important: Rosters and individual event entries can still change before the Games. The athlete information below reflects confirmed or publicly announced plans as of August 2026.
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Asian Games 2026 Quick Facts
Here are the most important details first:
| Details | Asian Games 2026 |
|---|---|
| Official Name | 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 |
| Host | Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, Japan |
| Official Games Dates | September 19–October 4, 2026 |
| First Competitions | September 10, 2026 |
| Opening Ceremony | September 19, 2026 |
| Closing Ceremony | October 4, 2026 |
| Edition | 20th Asian Games |
| Sports | 43 sports |
| Philippine Delegation | Around 443 athletes, subject to final entries |
| Team Philippines Chef de Mission | Richard “Ricky” Lim |
| Official Mascot | Honohon |
| Motto | “Imagine One Asia” |
| Philippine Broadcaster | Cignal |
| Streaming | Pilipinas Live and other announced Cignal platforms |
The official organizing committee currently lists 43 sports in the Games program.
Team Philippines, meanwhile, is preparing one of its largest Asian Games delegations ever. By July, Philippine officials were talking about a 443-athlete delegation, although final entry numbers can still move as qualification and roster decisions are completed.
What Are the Asian Games?
If the Olympics bring together athletes from around the world, think of the Asian Games as the continent’s own massive multi-sport competition.
The Asian Games—or Asiad, as you’ll often hear it called—brings together the best athletes representing countries and National Olympic Committees from across Asia.
You’ll find familiar Olympic sports such as athletics, swimming, basketball, gymnastics and boxing, but the Games also feature sports with especially strong Asian traditions and followings such as wushu, sepak takraw, kabaddi and kurash.
There are also newer additions reflecting how sports are changing. Esports is part of the program, while padel has been confirmed as an official medal sport for Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
That’s one reason the Asian Games is so interesting. One moment you’re watching EJ Obiena attempt a six-meter pole vault, then you’re watching Gilas, Alex Eala, an esports match or Filipino martial artists fighting for medals.
Where Will the 2026 Asian Games Be Held?
The main hosts are Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City in Japan.
Nagoya is one of Japan’s biggest cities and sits between Tokyo and Osaka, making it relatively accessible for international visitors.
But don’t assume every competition will happen inside Nagoya.
Asian Games venues are spread around Aichi and several neighboring areas, with selected events taking place farther away because specialized venues are needed. For example:
- Athletics – Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium
- Basketball – Aichi International Arena
- Gymnastics – Nagoya City General Gymnasium
- Tennis – Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center
- Swimming – Tokyo Aquatics Centre
- Track Cycling – Izu Velodrome
- Football – multiple stadiums including Toyota Stadium
- Volleyball – Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium and Park Arena Komaki
- Weightlifting – Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center
- Surfing – Pacific Long Beach in Tahara
The official venue program spreads the competitions across a large network of facilities instead of building everything around one Olympic-style park.
Asian Games 2026 Schedule
The official Asian Games period runs from September 19 to October 4, but this is one of those events where you shouldn’t wait for the Opening Ceremony before checking the results.
Some competitions start early.
Key dates to remember
September 10, 2026
Some sporting competitions begin, including men’s basketball.
September 14, 2026
Asian Games football competition gets underway.
September 16, 2026
Women’s indoor volleyball competition begins.
September 19, 2026
Official Opening Ceremony and formal start of the 20th Asian Games.
September 20–24, 2026
Artistic gymnastics is scheduled during this period, making this an important stretch for Filipino fans following Carlos Yulo and the Philippine gymnastics team.
September 27, 2026
Men’s volleyball begins, while the official schedule also places the race walking events on this date.
October 3, 2026
Football and men’s volleyball reach the closing stages of their tournaments.
October 4, 2026
Closing Ceremony and final official day of the Asian Games.
The organizing committee warns that the detailed competition schedule remains subject to changes, so fans should check the final timetable closer to each event.
What Sports Are Included in Asian Games 2026?
There are 43 sports currently listed by the organizers.
They are:
- Aquatics
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Breaking
- Canoe/Kayak
- Combat Sports
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Equestrian
- Esports
- Fencing
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Handball
- Hockey
- Judo
- Kabaddi
- Karate
- Modern Pentathlon
- Padel
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Sailing
- Sepak Takraw
- Shooting
- Skateboarding
- Sport Climbing
- Squash
- Surfing
- Table Tennis
- Taekwondo
- Tennis
- Teqball
- Triathlon
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
- Wushu
And many of those are divided further.
Aquatics, for example, includes swimming, diving, artistic swimming and water polo. Basketball includes traditional 5-on-5 and 3×3. Cycling includes track, road, mountain bike, BMX racing and BMX freestyle. Gymnastics includes artistic, rhythmic and trampoline events.
So we’re talking about a huge number of medal competitions.
How Big Is Team Philippines for Asian Games 2026?
Very big.
Initial Philippine Olympic Committee estimates were around 419 to 420 athletes, but the number increased as additional teams and athletes were included. By July, reports put the delegation at approximately 443 athletes, which would make this one of the country’s largest Asian Games contingents.
For comparison, the Philippines sent its historically huge 524-athlete delegation when Japan also hosted the Games in Hiroshima in 1994.
The 2026 delegation is expected to compete across dozens of sports.
Richard “Ricky” Lim, president of Karate Pilipinas, was appointed Philippine chef de mission in July after Al Panlilio stepped aside from the position.
And the goal isn’t simply participation.
Philippine officials believe this group has the potential to improve on the country’s performance in Hangzhou.
Philippine Athletes to Watch at Asian Games 2026
This is where things get especially exciting.
Team Philippines brings together several athletes who aren’t simply among Southeast Asia’s best—they’re legitimate world-class competitors.
Carlos Yulo – Gymnastics
One of my biggest must-watch Filipino athletes in Japan is Carlos Yulo.
After winning two Olympic gold medals at Paris 2024, Yulo has already accomplished something few Philippine athletes could even dream of.
But there’s an interesting gap in his résumé:
He has never won an Asian Games gold medal.
That could change in Japan.
Yulo has been named to the Philippine men’s artistic gymnastics team along with his younger brother Eldrew Yulo, plus Miguel Besana, Justine Ace De Leon and Zachary Cortins Nunez.
Carlos competed in the 2018 Asian Games but did not win a medal, and he skipped Hangzhou because the competition conflicted with the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
Now he returns as a two-time Olympic champion.
Naturally, floor exercise and vault should be among the events Filipino fans circle on the calendar.
An Asian Games gold would fill one of the few remaining major holes in Yulo’s collection.
EJ Obiena – Pole Vault
Another defending champion to follow is EJ Obiena.
Obiena produced one of Team Philippines’ great moments in Hangzhou when he won the men’s pole vault gold medal.
He cleared 5.90 meters, establishing a new Asian Games record.
Now comes the title defense.
Obiena enters the Aichi-Nagoya Games once again as one of the Philippines’ clearest medal—and gold medal—contenders.
His event is particularly important because the Asian Games features some excellent athletics programs, especially from countries such as China, Japan and other continental powers.
But when Obiena is healthy and in rhythm, there aren’t many pole vaulters in Asia who can match him.
Alex Eala – Tennis
Then there’s Alex Eala.
Her profile has reached an entirely new level in 2026.
Eala won her first WTA Tour-level singles championship in Washington in August, becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour-level singles title. The victory also pushed her to a career-high ranking around the world’s Top 20.
And she has made it clear that representing the Philippines at the Asian Games is part of her plans.
In July, Eala said the Asian Games was on her schedule, although her final participation would naturally have to fit with her WTA commitments.
There’s unfinished business here, too.
At the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, Eala won bronze medals in women’s singles and mixed doubles.
This time?
Gold is a legitimate target.
If Eala plays, tennis could become one of the most followed events among Filipino fans during the entire Asian Games.
Gilas Pilipinas – Men’s Basketball
Expect enormous attention whenever Gilas Pilipinas plays.
Why?
Because they’re the defending champions.
The Philippines’ 2023 Asian Games run was unforgettable. Gilas came back from 20 points down to beat host China 77-76 in the semifinals, then defeated Jordan 70-60 in the gold-medal game.
It ended a 61-year wait for another Philippine men’s basketball Asian Games championship.
And guess who’s waiting again in 2026?
China.
Gilas Pilipinas Asian Games 2026 Group
The Philippines has been drawn into Group C with:
- China
- Bahrain
- Kazakhstan
That’s immediately one of the most interesting groups of the tournament.
The competition starts on September 10, nine days before the Opening Ceremony. The format announced for the tournament sends the top two teams from each group, plus the two best third-place teams, into the quarterfinals.
Expect the Philippines-China game to generate massive interest.
Alas Pilipinas Women
Volleyball has grown tremendously in popularity in the Philippines, so Alas Pilipinas Women should be another team worth following closely.
They’ve landed in a very difficult group.
The Filipinas will face:
- China
- Kazakhstan
China is a traditional Asian volleyball powerhouse, which makes this a serious test right from the group stage.
The Philippine squad has been built around players including captain Jia De Guzman, with Japanese coach Taka Minowa leading the program.
The women’s Asian Games volleyball tournament is scheduled for September 16 to 22.
That also means Alas Pilipinas could already be playing before the Opening Ceremony.
Alas Pilipinas Men
The men’s volleyball team arguably got an even tougher draw.
Alas Pilipinas Men has been grouped with:
- China
- South Korea
- Chinese Taipei
That’s a brutal opening assignment.
China was the previous Asian Games silver medalist, while South Korea and Chinese Taipei have long histories in continental volleyball.
The men’s tournament runs from September 27 to October 3.
And after the Philippines’ experience hosting the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, Filipino volleyball interest should remain high heading into Japan.
Filipinas – Philippine Women’s Football Team
The Philippine women’s national football team, popularly known as the Filipinas, will also compete.
They were drawn into Group G with:
- China
- Uzbekistan
- Hong Kong, China
The Philippines reached the quarterfinals of the previous Asian Games, so advancing deep into the tournament again would be another important achievement.
The Games also come as part of the Filipinas’ broader preparation for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Philippine Men’s Football Team Returns
There’s another interesting football story that could easily get overlooked.
The Philippines will also participate in the men’s football competition.
According to the reported draw, the Philippine U-23 side is in Group C with:
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Kuwait
The participation is historic because it marks the Philippine men’s team’s first Asian Games appearance since 1974.
That’s more than five decades.
Football begins on September 14, before the official opening of the Games.
Kayla Sanchez – Swimming
Keep an eye on Philippine swimming as well.
Olympic medalist Kayla Sanchez has been named to lead a seven-athlete Philippine swimming squad for the Games.
Sanchez has international-level experience and enters this period after becoming one of the standout athletes of the Philippine swimming program.
Asia is extremely deep in swimming—Japan and China alone make medals incredibly difficult—but that’s exactly what would make any Philippine podium finish special.
Annie Ramirez and Philippine Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-jitsu has quietly become one of the Philippines’ most productive Asian Games sports.
At Hangzhou, Annie Ramirez and Meggie Ochoa both won gold, accounting for half of the Philippines’ four championships.
Ramirez remains in excellent form.
In August 2026, she won another title at the JJIF World Championships, adding to her impressive collection of international achievements.
This is exactly why Philippine jiu-jitsu should never be overlooked when predicting the country’s medal count.
Sometimes Filipino fans focus first on basketball, boxing or athletics, only for the combat-sports delegation to quietly deliver another gold.
Elreen Ando and Philippine Weightlifting
Weightlifting also remains one of the Philippine sports worth monitoring.
Elreen Ando won a bronze medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou and remains one of the country’s leading lifters.
She’s a two-time Olympian and has continued competing internationally through the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.
And because Philippine weightlifting now has a much deeper pipeline following the success of Hidilyn Diaz and the country’s younger lifters, this is another sport where surprise medals are always possible.
Other Philippine Sports to Follow
The headline names will naturally get the attention, but I wouldn’t limit my viewing to them.
Watch Team Philippines in:
Boxing – historically one of the country’s strongest Asian Games sports.
Wushu – another discipline with a long record of Filipino medalists.
Taekwondo – the Philippines regularly competes strongly at Southeast Asian and continental levels.
Karate – another possible medal source.
Golf – Philippine golfers have enjoyed significant Asian Games success over the years.
Shooting – one of the country’s historically productive Asiad sports.
Skateboarding – Filipino athletes have become increasingly competitive internationally.
Esports – expect plenty of Filipino interest, especially depending on which game titles and national team players make the final program.
Softball and baseball – both sports have established Philippine national teams competing internationally.
Rowing, sailing and triathlon – all have Filipino athletes capable of producing strong regional results.
And with roughly 443 Filipino athletes expected, there will inevitably be names who become household favorites only after the Games begin.
That’s part of the fun of watching an Asian Games.
How Did the Philippines Perform at the Last Asian Games?
Understanding Hangzhou makes the 2026 campaign more interesting.
Team Philippines finished the previous Asian Games with:
| Medal | Number |
|---|---|
| Gold | 4 |
| Silver | 2 |
| Bronze | 12 |
| Total | 18 |
The Philippines finished 17th in the medal standings.
Philippine gold medalists in Hangzhou
The four golds came from:
EJ Obiena – Men’s pole vault
Meggie Ochoa – Jiu-jitsu
Annie Ramirez – Jiu-jitsu
Gilas Pilipinas – Men’s basketball
That’s important because several of those champions or programs remain relevant in 2026.
But Team Philippines now adds Carlos Yulo to the Asian Games picture, while Alex Eala has developed into a much stronger professional tennis player since winning two bronze medals in Hangzhou.
That’s why expectations are higher.
Can the Philippines Win More Than Four Gold Medals in 2026?
I think it’s very possible.
Not guaranteed—but definitely realistic.
Just look at some of the major possibilities:
EJ Obiena
Defending Asian Games pole vault champion.
Carlos Yulo
Two-time Olympic champion and a major contender in gymnastics.
Alex Eala
A rapidly rising WTA player who already owns Asian Games medals.
Gilas Pilipinas
Defending men’s basketball champion.
Jiu-Jitsu
Historically productive for the Philippines and responsible for two of the country’s four Hangzhou gold medals.
Then add possible breakthroughs from boxing, weightlifting, golf, swimming, wushu, taekwondo, skateboarding, esports and other sports.
Philippine officials have publicly set their sights on surpassing the previous four-gold performance.
Of course, the Asian Games is incredibly competitive.
China, Japan and South Korea routinely field world and Olympic champions. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, India and several other nations are also formidable depending on the sport.
Winning an Asian Games gold isn’t simply the next level above the SEA Games.
In many events, it feels much closer to Olympic-level competition.
Where to Watch Asian Games 2026 in the Philippines
Good news: Filipino fans should have extensive coverage.
Cignal has announced itself as the official Philippine broadcaster for the 20th Asian Games, with coverage expected across its platforms.
The Pilipinas Live platform has also promoted Asian Games coverage for Filipino viewers.
Exact channel assignments, free-to-air coverage and individual livestream schedules may vary by sport, so check the final broadcaster announcements closer to September.
This will be particularly important because dozens of events can happen simultaneously.
For major Filipino events—Gilas games, Carlos Yulo finals, EJ Obiena’s pole vault and possibly Alex Eala’s tennis matches—expect broadcasters to prioritize live coverage.
Asian Games 2026 Time Difference: Japan vs Philippines
This part is easy for Filipino viewers.
Japan is only one hour ahead of the Philippines.
So:
- 10:00 AM in Japan = 9:00 AM in the Philippines
- 3:00 PM in Japan = 2:00 PM in the Philippines
- 7:00 PM in Japan = 6:00 PM in the Philippines
- 9:00 PM in Japan = 8:00 PM in the Philippines
That makes this Asian Games particularly convenient to follow from home.
No waking up at 3:00 AM just to watch a final.
If You’re Planning to Watch the Asian Games in Japan
This edition is also very accessible for Filipino travelers compared with Games held farther away.
The main destination is Nagoya and the surrounding Aichi region, although remember that some sports are happening outside central Nagoya.
Before buying tickets, check the sport and exact venue first.
That’s important.
For example, if you want to watch basketball and gymnastics, staying around Nagoya makes sense. But track cycling is scheduled at Izu Velodrome, while swimming is listed at Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
Don’t book everything assuming every competition is five minutes from downtown Nagoya.
Meet Honohon, the Asian Games 2026 Mascot
You may start seeing this character everywhere once the Games begin.
The official mascot is called Honohon.
The character was inspired by a shachihoko, the mythical tiger-fish closely associated with Nagoya. Its name comes from an old expression connected with the Japanese word for flame, representing the passion of the athletes.
The official Asian Games motto is:
“Imagine One Asia.”
The idea is to bring people across the continent together through sport.
Asian Games 2026 FAQs
When is Asian Games 2026?
The official Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, although some competitions begin on September 10.
Where is Asian Games 2026?
The Games are hosted by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, Japan, with some competitions staged at venues elsewhere in Japan.
How many sports are in Asian Games 2026?
The official organizing committee currently lists 43 sports.
Is the Philippines participating?
Yes. Team Philippines is preparing one of its biggest Asian Games delegations, with approximately 443 athletes discussed in the latest delegation planning.
Will Carlos Yulo compete?
Yes. Carlos Yulo has been named to the Philippine men’s artistic gymnastics team together with Eldrew Yulo, Miguel Besana, Justine Ace De Leon and Zachary Cortins Nunez.
Will Alex Eala play at Asian Games 2026?
Eala has publicly said that the Asian Games is in her plans, although professional tennis scheduling means her final entry should still be monitored closer to the competition.
Will EJ Obiena compete?
Obiena is preparing for the Games and is expected to defend the men’s pole vault title he won in Hangzhou.
Is Gilas Pilipinas playing?
Yes. Defending champion Gilas Pilipinas has been drawn with China, Bahrain and Kazakhstan in Group C.
When does Gilas play?
The men’s basketball competition begins September 10, although the exact Philippines game times should be checked once the final session schedule is published.
Will the Philippines compete in men’s football?
Yes—and this is a significant return. The Philippine men’s team is set to make its first Asian Games appearance since 1974.
Where can Filipinos watch Asian Games 2026?
Cignal has announced its role as the official Philippine broadcaster, while Pilipinas Live has also promoted coverage of the Games.
Why Asian Games 2026 Could Be Special for Team Philippines
I have a good feeling that this could be one of those Asian Games where Filipino sports fans are constantly checking their phones.
Think about the storylines.
EJ Obiena defending his gold.
Gilas trying to prove that Hangzhou wasn’t a one-off miracle.
Carlos Yulo going after the major Asian Games title that has eluded him.
Alex Eala possibly entering the tournament as one of the strongest tennis players the Philippines has ever produced.
The Yulo brothers competing together.
Alas Pilipinas taking on Asia’s volleyball powers.
The Filipinas continuing their rise in international football.
And hundreds of other Filipino athletes getting their own opportunity to produce that one performance that changes their careers.
The Philippines won four gold medals in Hangzhou.
Surpassing that won’t be easy. But compared with the last Asian Games, Team Philippines now has even more legitimate international-level athletes who know what it’s like to compete—and win—against the best.
So mark the dates:
September 10 for the first competitions.
September 19 for the Opening Ceremony.
And then prepare for more than three weeks of Philippine sports action ending on October 4, 2026.
Because if even a few of these medal possibilities fall into place, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 could become one of the most memorable Asian Games campaigns in Philippine sports history.
