SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Cebu Set For 2028 Asian Beach Games Hosting
Photo credit: POC
The Philippines has begun early preparations for the 7th Asian Beach Games, set to be held in Cebu in 2028, following the signing of the Host City Contract.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has started mapping out its plan for the continental sporting event, which is seen as both a major international competition and a boost for sports tourism in the country.
POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the hosting marks the country’s return to staging Asian-level competitions and is part of efforts to strengthen its position in international sports hosting. He also noted that the Philippines is lined up to host other major youth and regional sports events before the end of the current leadership term.
The games are being targeted for March 2028, with a competition period of about two weeks. Organizers said the schedule was carefully planned to avoid major religious and peak travel periods such as Ramadan and Holy Week, in order to support smoother logistics and tourism flow.
POC Secretary General Atty. Wharton Chan said the event is expected to feature around 24 sports, including team sports, water sports, martial arts, and individual disciplines, subject to approval by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
He added that preparations are being designed to attract participation from around 45 countries, making it one of the largest sporting events to be hosted in the Philippines.
Chan said securing the hosting rights was not difficult, citing the country’s strong reputation in beach destinations and natural tourism assets. However, he stressed that delivering the event will be a major challenge due to its scale and international participation.
Cebu was cited as a strong venue choice due to its infrastructure, tourism capacity, and experience in hosting large-scale events, including the Sinulog Festival.
Officials also view the 2028 Asian Beach Games as a preparatory step for the country’s potential bid to host the Asian Games in the future, which the Philippines last hosted in 1954.
With planning now underway, the Cebu 2028 Asian Beach Games is expected to serve as both a major sporting showcase and a platform to further develop the country’s sports tourism industry.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has started mapping out its plan for the continental sporting event, which is seen as both a major international competition and a boost for sports tourism in the country.
POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the hosting marks the country’s return to staging Asian-level competitions and is part of efforts to strengthen its position in international sports hosting. He also noted that the Philippines is lined up to host other major youth and regional sports events before the end of the current leadership term.
The games are being targeted for March 2028, with a competition period of about two weeks. Organizers said the schedule was carefully planned to avoid major religious and peak travel periods such as Ramadan and Holy Week, in order to support smoother logistics and tourism flow.
POC Secretary General Atty. Wharton Chan said the event is expected to feature around 24 sports, including team sports, water sports, martial arts, and individual disciplines, subject to approval by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
He added that preparations are being designed to attract participation from around 45 countries, making it one of the largest sporting events to be hosted in the Philippines.
Chan said securing the hosting rights was not difficult, citing the country’s strong reputation in beach destinations and natural tourism assets. However, he stressed that delivering the event will be a major challenge due to its scale and international participation.
Cebu was cited as a strong venue choice due to its infrastructure, tourism capacity, and experience in hosting large-scale events, including the Sinulog Festival.
Officials also view the 2028 Asian Beach Games as a preparatory step for the country’s potential bid to host the Asian Games in the future, which the Philippines last hosted in 1954.
With planning now underway, the Cebu 2028 Asian Beach Games is expected to serve as both a major sporting showcase and a platform to further develop the country’s sports tourism industry.
Apr 27, 2026
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