2026 Asian Para Games: 69 PH Athletes Set to Compete in Nagoya
With chess absent from the 2026 Asian Para Games, the country’s 69 athletes face a different medal challenge as they head to Japan. Nevertheless, the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) remains confident that Team PH can deliver.
Game Details
The 2026 Asian Para Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to 24. The competition will feature 18 sports overall, with Team PH participating in 11, including swimming, athletics, cycling, table tennis, and taekwondo.
The delegation arrives after a strong showing by Filipino athletes at the 2026 Asian Games, where the country won 4 gold, 9 silver, and 16 bronze medals.
Why Does Chess Matter?
At the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, the Philippines finished 9th overall with 10 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Chess contributed 8 of those golds.
At the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on October 13, PPC President Mike Barredo said he believed chess was deliberately left out because Filipinos were strong contenders.
“They made sure chess is not included because we will surely win. But I pushed for it. Pinilit natin,” he stressed.
But despite the absence, Barredo stated that the team would aim to make up for lost opportunities, promising to “do better even without chess.” He also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for supporting Team PH’s campaign.
READ: Beyond Basketball: The Philippines Needs More National Sports
How is Team PH Looking?
Realistically, China will be among the teams to watch. It topped the tally back in 2023 with 214 gold, 167 silver, and 140 bronze medals.
But Para Taekwondo coach Gershon Bautista expressed confidence in Team PH’s preparation, saying that we are at par, skills-wise, and when training, “the consistency is there.”
Beyond Nagoya
For Barredo, the development of Philippine Para sports must continue beyond international competitions.
“The growth of Para in the Philippines has been steady. But we need to improve on our grassroots. That’s why we are pushing for Para to be included in the Batang Pinoy,” he said.
Batang Pinoy refers to the country’s national youth games. So including para events could give young athletes with disabilities more opportunities to access coaching and gain competitive experience.
As Team PH takes on the 2026 Asian Para Games, its campaign is also a reminder of the importance of giving more Filipino athletes with disabilities the chance to compete.
