Despite a few setbacks through the opening days of the 2026 Asian Games, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino remains steadfast in his prediction that Team Pilipinas can win at least eight gold medals.

Tolentino refused to lower his expectations after the Philippines saw several medal hopes fall short, including Jean Claude Saclag, who settled for silver after losing in the gold medal match of the men’s traditional mixed martial arts -65kg division.

Aira Villegas also bowed out of the women’s -51kg division, while swimmer Kayla Sanchez still has two individual events remaining in her campaign — the 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke — with opportunities to add to the country’s medal haul.

But for Tolentino, there is still plenty of time for the Philippines to make good on his ambitious target.

“Walang atrasan ‘to. Sabi ko nga, hindi naman masama ang mangarap eh. Wala namang bayad ‘yan, libre ‘yun,” Tolentino said, stressing that the Games are still in their early stages.

Asked which athletes and teams he expects to lead the Philippines’ gold-medal campaign, Tolentino quickly named a deep group of contenders led by Alex Eala, Carlos Yulo, EJ Obiena, the national boxing team, Victoria Bosong, the 3×3 basketball squads, Mobile Legends, and jiu-jitsu.

“Lampas sampu pa ‘yun. So hindi pa tayo nawawalan ng pag-asa. Definitely, meron tayong golds,” he said.

Tolentino also pointed to the improved support given to Filipino athletes compared to previous Asian Games cycles.

With increased funding, training allowances, and the hiring of foreign coaches, he believes Team Pilipinas is better equipped to compete against nations that have invested heavily in their sports programs and naturalized athletes.

The POC chief is also aiming for the Philippines to surpass its previous four-gold medal haul, with several medal events still to come in the Games. For Tolentino, the message to the athletes remains straightforward as they enter the crucial stretch of competition.

“Laban lang. No replay… gamit din ng strategy. ’Pag lamang na, ’wag nang gigil.”

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Alas Pilipinas Women hardly broke a sweat in dispatching youthful Qatar, 25-8, 25-2, 25-9, to advance to the classification round of the 20th Asian Games on Sunday at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium in Japan.

The Philippines’ experience and composure proved too much for a Qatar side averaging just 17.58 years old, as Alas overwhelmed its young opposition from the opening serve and allowed just 19 points across three sets.

The dominant victory gave Alas its first win of the tournament and snapped a two-game skid following losses to China and Kazakhstan in the group phase.

Alas put the mismatch on full display in the second set, rattling off 19 consecutive points to turn the frame into a rout. Amie Provido led the charge, scoring 11 of her game-high 19 points in the set alone.

Provido delivered a commanding all-around performance, converting 11 kills on 14 attempts while adding four blocks and four aces for the Philippines.

Shaina Nitura and Bella Belen also finished in double figures with 10 points apiece, while Nina Ytang and Alyssa Solomon added seven and six points, respectively.

The numbers further highlighted Alas’ dominance, with the Philippines recording 39 attacks on 61 attempts, 11 blocks, and nine aces in the 52-minute victory.

Qatar, meanwhile, managed just eight attacks and two blocks, while nine of its 19 total points came from Philippine errors.

Alas will face Mongolia next on Monday, with a spot in the ninth-place match at stake. The loser will drop to the 11th-place match.

Sumaia Almadhoun led Qatar with four points.

Qatar, on the other hand, will take on Kyrgyzstan in the 13th-place match.

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Carlos Alvarez secured another medal for Team Philippines after advancing to the semifinals of the men’s MMA Traditional -77kg division at the 2026 Asian Games with a knockout win over Indonesia’s Ananda Wahyu Setyo.

Alvarez weathered a closely fought opening round before turning up the pressure in the second, eventually finding the finish to book his spot in the medal rounds.

“No’ng first round kasi medyo parang ganunan lang kami sa points eh. Medyo parang dikit. Tabla oh. Kaya no’ng second round sabi ko kailangan kong tapusin ’to para manalo,” he said.

The victory guaranteed Alvarez at least a bronze medal, easing some of the pressure surrounding his Asian Games debut. Still, the Filipino fighter made it clear that settling for a podium finish is not the objective.

“At least nabawasan nang konti ’yong pressure kasi malaki ang pressure dito. At least ngayon, may medal na tayong siguradong maiuuwi, at ang goal namin talaga dito sa MMA is makuha ang gold medal,” he said.

Alvarez also credited fellow Filipino Jean Claude Saclag for providing additional inspiration.

Saclag earlier clinched a bronze medal and moved into the semifinals, giving the Philippines an early breakthrough in the MMA competition.

“Oo, na-inspire din ako kay Jean kasi siya ’yong unang lumaban and siya din ’yong unang nanalo sa ’min. Sabi ko sa sarili ko ’di puwedeng matalo ko dito,” he said.

While Alvarez moved on, Gina Araos saw her campaign come to an end in the women’s Modern -54kg quarterfinals after Thai opponent Kanjutha Pattaraboonsorn secured a submission victory.

Alvarez will have little time to celebrate his win, with his semifinal assignment against Kazakhstan’s Yerkingali Burkutalin scheduled for Monday at 9:40 a.m. Manila time.

With a spot in the gold medal match on the line, Alvarez plans to focus on recovery before returning to action.

“Rest lang kami mamaya nang mabuti at ayusin ang mga masasakit na parts ng katawan, tapos ’yon. Laban na ulit,” he said.

Carrying the Philippine flag has also served as an added source of motivation for Alvarez as he pursues a place in the final.

“Sobrang motivation ’yan kasi Pilipinas na ’yong ni-represent namin dito eh. Hindi na team lang namin sa Baguio or something. Pilipinas na siya talaga. Napakagandang motivation at inspirasyon sa aming mga lumalaban dito,” he said.

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