Team Philippines Marches in Asian Games Opening Ceremony in Nagoya

Team Philippines joined the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games on Saturday at Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan. Boxer Aira Villegas and weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos carried the flag for a delegation of more than 400 athletes.

By Sampaguita News Staff

Newsroom

Sep 19, 20261 min read

A traditional Japanese castle under a blue sky — The 20th Asian Games opened in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Key Facts

The 20th Asian Games opened on September 19, 2026, at Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan.
Olympic boxing medalist Aira Villegas and weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos were the Philippine flag bearers.
More than 400 Filipino athletes are competing.
The delegation wore a "Malaya" barong designed by Francis Libiran.
The Games run until October 4 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya.

Team Philippines marched in the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games on Saturday, September 19, at Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan.

Olympic boxing medalist Aira Villegas and weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos carried the Philippine flag. The country is sending more than 400 athletes to the Games, which run until October 4 across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya.

Dressed in "Malaya"

The delegation wore a "Malaya" barong and matching cap designed by fashion designer Francis Libiran, who said the outfit features "symbols that speak of who we are."

Aiming higher than Hangzhou

The Philippines hopes to surpass its four-gold haul from the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in 2023.

About 15,000 athletes from 45 countries and territories are expected to compete in this edition. Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the third time, and the event also marks the 75th anniversary of the first Asian Games, held in New Delhi in 1951.

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