Hundreds of Filipino athletes are either in Japan or on their way there for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which kicks off in earnest on September 19 with an opening ceremony that will see our national athletes wear a custom “Malaya” barong designed by Francis Libiran and run until October 4.
Among the many athletes ready to take the court, field, and arena for a chance to win a medal and bring pride to the country are Filipina athletes who have more than proven themselves as ones to watch at one of the continent’s biggest sporting events. So, as the games shift into high gear over the next few weeks, here are some of the Filipina athletes from the country’s delegation to keep an eye on.
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Agatha Wong – A Wushu Master on Her Potentially Last Asian Games
As arguably the most decorated Wushu athlete the Philippines has ever seen, Agatha Wong is heading into the Asian Games with a sterling reputation that includes six gold medals at the SEA Games and a bronze medal from the 2018 Asian Games. What makes her success even more impressive is how she’s had to balance sports with her studies at medical school in UERM over the past couple of years.
As she hopes for another podium finish and potentially her first Asian Games gold, Wong’s participation this year is even more sentimental, as this may just be her final Asian Games of her professional career as she shifts her focus towards her schooling in the coming years.
Alex Eala – The Tennis Sensation Plays for the Philippines
Despite her busy schedule, the tennis star will be playing for Team Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games as she looks to add even more success to her already glowing year. Eala has competed at the Asian Games before, taking home bronze medals in women’s singles and mixed doubles back in Hangzhou, China, three years ago. But this year, with her noticeable improvement, Eala is looking to secure her first Asian Games gold either in Women’s Singles or Women’s Doubles. First though, she’ll be competing at the Singapore Open as the No. 3 seed before flying to Japan to compete in her matches.
Annie Ramirez – Aiming for Back-to-Back Gold Medals
Jiu-Jitsu athlete Annie Ramirez is heading into the 2026 Asian Games with a reputation to uphold as she scored a gold medal in the 2023 edition in China. This go-around, as the decorated 35-year-old athlete hopes to secure her second Asian Games gold, she’ll be competing in the 52kg division.
Aira Villegas – She’s Carrying the Flag, Literally
Seen as one of Philippine boxing’s most promising names, Aira Villegas first landed on the radar of many when she earned a bronze medal in the light flyweight division at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which she followed up with a silver medal at the SEA Games a year later. Now, she heads to the 2026 Asian Games hoping to score a medal for herself and the Philippines. Also, adding to the moment is that Villegas and weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos were chosen to carry the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony.
Bianca Pagdanganan – One of Philippine Golf’s Best Players
A podium finish at the Asian Games is nothing new for Bianca Pagdanganan, who is widely regarded as one of the country’s most gifted golfers. She earned a bronze medal in the women’s event and a gold medal in the team event with Yuka Saso and Lois Kaye Go at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. Since then, she has continued to prove her worth as among the best of the best, including finishing at a joint fourth place at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the best result achieved by a Filipino golfer at the Olympics. She’s back on the green this year looking to score once again.
Kayla Sanchez – A Star in the Pool
When it comes to swimming, no one is doing it like Kayla Sanchez. Since officially representing the Philippines at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Sanchez has become one of the most decorated national swimmers, with, among other achievements, a national record and eight SEA Games gold medals to her name. Expect to see the Paris Olympian make waves, figuratively and literally, as she once again competes in swimming for the country in Japan.
Rianne Malixi – Next Generation Golfing Talent
At just 19 years old, Rianne Malixi is seen as a rising star in Philippine golf. In 2024, she earned her place in the history books by becoming the first Filipina and the second person overall to win both the U.S. Girls’ Junior and the U.S. Women’s Amateur in the same year. With the Duke Blue Devils women’s golf player joining the country’s golfing delegation at the 2026 Asian Games, Malixi is one to watch.
The Filipinas – The National Team Is Aiming Higher
With a spot at the 2027 Women’s World Cup already secured, the Filipinas are using the 2026 Asian Games as not only their latest chance to secure their first podium finish at the Games, but also as preparation in the lead-up to their big moment next year. During their last participation at the Asian Games, the team reached the quarterfinals, and they hope to do even better this year and even score a medal. Considering that they won a historic SEA Games gold last December, we have a feeling it can be done.
Featured Image and Photos: AGATHA WONG (via Instagram), ALEX EALA (via Instagram), ANNIE RAMIREZ (via Instagram), PILIPINAS BOKSING (via Instagram), BIANCA PAGDANGANAN (via Instagram), KAYLA SANCHEZ (via Instagram), DUKE WOMEN’S GOLF (via Instagram), LABAN FILIPINAS (via Instagram)
