Philippines, Southeast Asia seek Olympics hosting bid

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio bared that there are talks of a possible joint hosting between Southeast Asian countries of an edition of the Summer Olympics in the near future.

 

During the presentation of the Asian Youth Games medalists from Team Philippines at a restaurant in Parañaque, Gregorio said that he recently spoke to officials from Indonesia of the possibility of working together.

 

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With no Southeast Asian country having hosted the Olympics – either the Summer Games or the Winter Games – a chance to hold it in the region in the near future will be a dream for all countries involved.

 

For Gregorio, it’s a dream that is no longer too far away.

 

“Ang sinabi ng Southeast Asia, why can’t we work together to one day host the Olympic Games? Southeast Asia hosting the Olympic Games.” Gregorio said.

 

However, a joint hosting of the Olympic Games hasn’t been done yet – with only a joint venture planned twice before in the 1940s, but both editions were cancelled due to wartime.

 

Still, collaborations in hosting international events haven't been unheard of.

 

Recently, the Philippines hosted the 2023 FIBA World Cup together with Indonesia and Japan, with the final phase of the competition happening in Manila.

 

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was also jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

 

 

Open lane for 2036

 

Though the idea currently remains as a discussion between Gregorio and Indonesian authorities like Indonesia’ Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir, and Olympic Committee President Raja Sapta Oktohari, the Philippine government has expressed interest.

 

Recently, the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee was created in a bid to push for more international sporting events in the country – it can be recalled that the country recently hosted the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

The first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup is also happening before the year ends.

With the Summer Games carrying the utmost prestige, it is a no-brainer for the government to support it – if indeed it is within reach in the next few years.

 

“Pinresent ko po ito kay President [Bongbong] Marcos and sinabi niya why not? Plot it. That is why you have the sports tourism inter-agency committee, plot it with the Olympic Committee,’” Gregorio said. 

 

“And it is a very good story, it is a very good narrative — that Southeast Asia is willing, open, and interested to work together to bid for the Olympic Games.” he continued.

 

As for when it can be possible, Gregorio wasn’t about to promise anything. However, he did note that the 36th edition of the Olympic Games still doesn’t have a host for 2036.

 

Despite moving with uncertainty, Gregorio is optimistic of beginning Southeast Asia’s shot at history.

 

“Open pa po ang 2036. Sabi nga nila, bidding is one thing, winning is another thing. Du'n muna tayo sa bidding, at kung ibibigay man nila during our lifetime, at least we started it.” he said.

 

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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.

Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.