Cebu to host Asian Beach Games in 2028

MANILA, May 2 ------ The Philippines' hosting of the 7th Asian Beach Games in Cebu in 2028 was made officially, with Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino signing the contract at the Conifer Resort in Sanya, China.

Tolentino signed the hosting deal along with OCA President His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani. "We would like to congratulate the Philippines for the hosting of the 7th Asian Beach Games in 2028, in Cebu. Wishing you a pleasant stay in Sanya," said the OCA President.

Addressing the OCA assembly, Tolentino noted that it has been a long time since the Philippines hosted an Asian event. "That's why we are very excited for this next edition of the Asian Beach Games so we can showcase our hospitality, friendship, culture and the beauty of Cebu City," he said.

At press time Monday, the official medal tally showed the Philippines in the third spot with three gold, two silver, and two bronze in the 45-nation continental showcase. The three golds were courtesy of jiu-jitsu's Annie Ramirez and Alexandria Luz Enriquez and high jump standout Leonard Grospe.

Host China still tops the standings with 14 gold, 11 silver, and four bronze medals followed by Thailand (4-5-3). "We're very excited for our country to host two big events — the Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games next year in December then after three months, the Asian Beach Games in March 2028," the POC chief told reporters afterward. "Its' been a long time since hosted Olympic Council of Asia events," he added. "It's part of the government's sports tourism program. So, this is it. We're excited. Will it cause headaches? I don't think so. We're used to hosting big sporting events."

The build-up for the SEA Plus YG and the Cebu ABG have long begun and with the official logos and mascots slated to be unveiled in June. "Preparations are already underway for both events. We have the logos and mascots. But we will announce it during a scheduled coordination meeting in June," Tolentino said. "It's hitting two birds in one stone, the SEA Plus YG in Manila and then the Cebu Asian Beach Games."

Also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission under its chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio, hosting the two blue-ribbon spectacles is also aligned with the mandate of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee. "The last time we hosted a similar, although different Games, was in 2019 during the Manila SEA Games. The SEA Plus YG is a bigger competition because there will be other countries aside from Southeast Asia," said Tolentino. "I was congratulated by my Chinese Taipei and Macau counterparts because they will join. So, we're expecting other countries in Central Asia like Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi to join."

Source: news.abs-cbn.com