Cebu to host 2028 Asian Beach Games

Alta Sports22 days ago · 58 views

Cebu to host 2028 Asian Beach Games image

Photo: POC Media

By Shawn De Guzman

Cebu is set to be the next host of the Asian Beach Games and the Philippine Olympic Committee is excited for the new endeavor for the country’s sports tourism.

POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed excitement for the hosting as he officially signed the contract alongside Olympic Council of Asia chief Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani during a short but meaningful ceremony on Monday at the Sanya Conifer Resort.

The Cebu Beach Games scheduled in March 2028 is set to be the first OCA-sanctioned event in the country since 1954.

“It’s been a long time since we last hosted an OCA event, and this is part of the government’s tourism and sports tourism program. So this is it. Are we excited? Definitely. Is it a headache? I don’t think so,” he said with a laugh.

He added that preparations are already underway, with initial plans in place for both the Beach Games and the country’s hosting of the SEA+ Youth Games in December 2027.

“We’re used to hosting. The local organizing committee is already preparing. We already have a logo and a mascot, but we’ll announce them during a scheduled coordination meeting this coming June,” Tolentino said.

While the POC has yet to finalize the complete list of sports, Tolentino emphasized that the vision is clear — to maximize Cebu’s coastal scenery by staging events in open, beachside settings.

“That’s what I proposed in our meeting yesterday. For basketball, it doesn’t have to be on sand, but it should be open — by the beach. Let’s bring it back to a street-game feel, not inside arenas,” he said, noting that the 3x3 basketball competition in Sanya was held indoors at the Sanya Gymnasium.

“Most of the events should really be on the beach — wrestling, kurash, sambo, and others. As much as possible, there should be no roof. Even sports climbing,” he added.

The Cebu Beach Games are scheduled for March, a timing aimed at ensuring favorable weather conditions while showcasing the island’s famed coastline at its best.