The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has signed the contract in Sanya, China for the Philippines to host the 2028 Asian Beach Games in Cebu.

This will be the first time the tournament will be held in the Philippines.

“We're very excited for our country to host two big events — The Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games next year in December then after three months, the Asian Beach Games in March 2028,” POC President Abraham Tolentino said.

Tolentino signed the hosting deal along with Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani at the Conifer Resort.

The 2028 edition is among the big events lined up for the Philippines as the country will also serve as home of the inaugural Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games in late 2027.

The Philippines has secured at least seven medals in the ongoing ABG edition in China, highlighted by gold medal performances from high jump standout Leonard Grospe and the jiu-jitsu duo of Annie Ramirez and Alexandria Enriquez in their respective events.

(Report by Bea Micaller, GMA News Online)