MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have agreed to advance regional cooperation on sports development, Malacañang said.
The commitment was made during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s meeting with Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, president of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Qatar Olympic Committee, in Malacañang on Friday.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in sports development, including athlete training, institutional collaboration, and opportunities for the Philippines to host future regional and international competitions.
Both sides underscored the importance of deepening engagement with the Olympic Council of Asia to expand access to programs and resources that support Filipino athletes.
“More opportunities for Filipino athletes to train, compete and win on the world stage. I welcomed His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, as we strengthen cooperation in sports development and future hosting opportunities for the Philippines,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.
“This shows growing confidence in the Philippines as a regional sports partner. We will keep investing in our athletes so they can carry our flag with pride and inspire the next generation,” he added.
Malacañang said the visit marked the first high-level engagement between the OCA and the Marcos administration.
This reflected “strong confidence in the Philippines as a reliable partner in advancing sports excellence and regional cooperation,” the Palace added.
Also present during the meeting were Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio.
On Thursday, the Philippines, represented by Tolentino, formally received the OCA flag during the closing ceremony of the Asian Beach Games, with Cebu set to host the 2028 edition.
The OCA is the independent, non-profit governing body for sports in Asia, recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
Based in Kuwait, it oversees 45 National Olympic Committees and manages major regional events, including the Asian Games, Asian Winter Games, and Asian Beach Games.
