President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, the president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), for a significant meeting at Malacañang.
The discussion centered on the Philippines' upcoming hosting of the Seventh Cebu Asian Beach Games (ABG) in 2028 and the importance of sports cooperation.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino confirmed that the meeting emphasized support for the ABG and strategies for enhancing sports collaboration.
Joining them was Patrick Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, marking a notable first for OCA leadership to meet a sitting Philippine president.
This meeting occurred shortly after Sheikh Al Thani presented the ABG flag, symbolizing the Philippines' role as host during the Sixth ABG closing ceremony in Sanya.
The 2028 games are scheduled for March 7 to 16, with Ramon 'Tats' Suzara appointed as president and CEO of the Cebu ABG Organizing Committee.
Tolentino noted that Sheikh Al Thani also discussed ways to bolster cooperation in athlete training and potential future events hosted by the Philippines.
The Presidential Communications Office highlighted the meeting as a testament to the Philippines' position as a reliable partner in promoting sports excellence and regional collaboration.