The Philippines is seeking the rights to host the Asian Youth Games, which would be seen as a major step for young Filipino athletes—especially those coming from Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy.
The Philippines is preparing to make a major bid to host one of Asia’s biggest youth sporting events, with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirming that the country is eyeing the Asian Youth Games (AYG).
Tolentino revealed that the AYG will now be held biennially, with the next edition after 2029 set for 2031. He hopes to bring the hosting opportunity home.
“Kung ba-back-up-an ako ng government,” said Tolentino.
Speaking at the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Executive Board meeting in Manama, Bahrain, Tolentino — who sits on the OCA board — emphasized that hosting the AYG would create pathways for young Filipino athletes to compete at higher levels.
“May pupuntahan talaga ang mga atleta sa Palaro, Batang Pinoy, ‘yung grassroots talaga,” he said.
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Tolentino added that the Philippines is also being considered to host another major continental event.
“Actually, nag-heads up ako eh, it’s up to government eh. Dalawa ‘yung hineads up ko—if you want, we’re being considered—Asian Beach Games and AYG,” he noted.
The 2025 AYG officially opened in Bahrain on Wednesday, featuring over 4,300 athletes competing in 253 events across 24 sports.
The Philippines sent a 141-strong delegation competing in various disciplines, including volleyball, athletics, boxing, cycling, and swimming.
So far, Kram Airam Carpio has delivered the Philippines’ first gold medal, winning the Pencak Silat girls’ 51–55kg division with a 33–19 victory over Indonesia’s Qiken Dwi Tata Olifia.
[READ: Pencak silat’s Kram Carpio gives Team Philippines first gold in Asian Youth Games]