Olympic Council of Asia Reveals 11 Esports Titles for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially announced the 11 esports titles that will be featured in the 20th Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. This decision, made during an Emergency Executive Board meeting on February 22, 2025, marks another milestone in the integration of esports into mainstream competitive sports.

Esports made its debut as a demonstration event at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games and was later included as an official medal event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Now, with its continued presence in the 2026 edition, esports is cementing its place as a key part of the Asian Games sports program.

The 11 Esports Titles for Aichi-Nagoya 2026

The OCA has curated a diverse selection of games, ensuring representation across different genres such as fighting, strategy, first-person shooters, racing, and mobile esports. The approved titles are:

Competitive Martial Arts (Team Competition) (One medal event only)

Street Fighter Series

Tekken Series

King of Fighters Series

Pokémon Unite

Honor of Kings

League of Legends

PUBG Mobile – Asian Games Version

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Identity V – Asian Games Version

Naraka: Bladepoint

Gran Turismo 7

eFootball Series

Puyo Puyo Champions

Breaking Down the Selection

Fighting Games Take Center Stage

For the first time, the Asian Games will introduce a Competitive Martial Arts (Team Competition) category, featuring legendary fighting games such as Street Fighter, Tekken, and King of Fighters. These games have long histories in competitive gaming and are expected to bring fast-paced, high-intensity action to the tournament.

MOBA and Strategy Games Continue to Dominate

The inclusion of League of Legends, Honor of Kings, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang highlights the continued dominance of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games in the esports world. These titles are among the most-played games globally, attracting millions of viewers in major tournaments.

Battle Royale, Horror, and Tactical Play Get a Spot

PUBG Mobile – Asian Games Version makes a return, continuing the Battle Royale legacy from the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Meanwhile, Identity V – Asian Games Version, a horror survival game, will bring a fresh, strategic twist to the competition.

Racing, Football, and Puzzle Games Represented

Gran Turismo 7, the only racing game on the list, is set to deliver a highly realistic driving simulation experience. eFootball Series, previously represented by the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise, maintains esports’ football gaming presence. Meanwhile, Puyo Puyo Champions, a fast-paced puzzle game, adds variety to the lineup, appealing to a different segment of the gaming audience.

The Growing Influence of Esports in the Asian Games

The inclusion of these 11 esports titles underscores the OCA’s commitment to expanding esports on an international scale. With esports continuously growing in popularity, its recognition as an official medal event ensures that top-tier players from Asia will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

What This Means for Esports in the Olympics

The success of esports at the Asian Games could pave the way for its future inclusion in the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been closely monitoring esports' development, and its continued presence in the Asian Games only strengthens its case for full Olympic recognition.

Conclusion

The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is shaping up to be another historic moment for esports. With a mix of fighting, MOBA, battle royale, strategy, and racing games, the competition is set to attract millions of viewers worldwide. As esports continues to break barriers, the Asian Games will remain a crucial platform for its growth and legitimacy in the world of sports.

Stay tuned as teams begin their road to Aichi-Nagoya 2026, where the best esports athletes in Asia will battle for gold!

SM Prime and DENR Join Forces with High-Tech Trash Boat to Revitalize Manila Bay

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In a significant boost to ongoing Manila Bay cleanup efforts, SM Prime Holdings has donated a state-of-the-art catamaran trash boat to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The handover ceremony, which took place on January 31, marks a crucial advancement in the battle against water pollution in one of the Philippines' most important marine ecosystems.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Environmental Conservation

The 30-foot catamaran represents the latest in marine cleanup technology, designed to efficiently collect and transport up to one ton of waste per trip. Equipped with essential navigation and safety equipment as well as specialized cleaning tools, this vessel significantly enhances the DENR's capacity to combat water pollution.

Under the operation of the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office - South Zone, the catamaran will serve as a vital tool in the ongoing efforts to restore Manila Bay's ecological health. The vessel's design allows for effective removal of floating debris and waste, directly addressing one of the bay's most visible pollution problems.

A Powerful Public-Private Partnership

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both organizations, underscoring the importance of this collaboration. DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga received the symbolic key to the catamaran, while other DENR officials including Undersecretary Jonas Leones, NCR Regional Executive Director Michael Drake Matias, and Assistant Secretary and Environmental Management Bureau Director Jacqueline Caancan were present to witness this significant contribution.

Representing SM Prime were SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio and SM Prime Estate Management and Development Senior Assistant Vice President Orliber Paule.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Silerio emphasized the company's dedication to environmental stewardship: "This catamaran represents our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and our belief in the power of collaboration to create a sustainable future for our communities."

Complementing Broader Environmental Initiatives

The donation strengthens the DENR's multifaceted approach to the Manila Bay cleanup, complementing existing initiatives such as the Paranaque Adopt-a-River project. By working together, SM Prime and DENR are demonstrating how public and private sectors can effectively collaborate to address complex environmental challenges.

This partnership is particularly significant given Manila Bay's importance as a natural resource and its ongoing struggle with pollution. The bay, which serves as a crucial marine ecosystem and economic resource for surrounding communities, has long faced challenges from urban waste and industrial pollution.

Setting a Model for Environmental Collaboration

The joint initiative between SM Prime and DENR serves as an exemplary model for how businesses and government agencies can combine resources and expertise to create meaningful environmental impact. By leveraging private sector innovation with public sector reach, this partnership demonstrates an effective approach to tackling pressing ecological concerns.

As the catamaran begins its operations in Manila Bay, it represents not just a new tool in the fight against pollution, but a symbol of how collaborative efforts can lead to sustainable solutions for our most precious natural resources.

Through this partnership, both organizations are steering toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for Manila Bay and establishing a precedent for similar collaborations in environmental conservation across the Philippines.

The Legacy of People Power: Mayor Sebastian Duterte's Call for Vigilance on the 39th Anniversary

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In a poignant statement marking the 39th anniversary of the historic People Power Revolution, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte has called upon Filipinos to remain vigilant against threats to democracy and to honor the legacy of those who fought to restore freedom to the Philippines.

Remembering the Revolution

The People Power Revolution of February 1986 stands as a watershed moment in Philippine history. For four days, from February 22 to 25, millions of Filipinos gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Manila to peacefully protest against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. This nonviolent uprising led to the fall of the Marcos regime after 21 years in power and the restoration of democratic rule.

In his statement, Mayor Duterte emphasized the significance of this historic event: "Today, we join the entire country in commemorating the 39th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, a historic moment when Filipinos stood together in unity to reclaim democracy."

The Dark Legacy of Martial Law

The mayor's statement directly addressed the painful period of Martial Law declared by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972, which lasted for nearly a decade but whose effects lingered until his overthrow. During this period, historical records document thousands of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.

"Martial Law, declared by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972, left a dark legacy, countless lives were lost, freedoms were stripped away, and power was concentrated in the hands of a few," Mayor Duterte stated, acknowledging the suffering experienced during this period of authoritarian rule.

Contemporary Relevance

What makes Mayor Duterte's statement particularly notable is his warning about present dangers to Philippine democracy: "As we remember those who suffered and fought for our liberties, we must remain vigilant, especially now, when the threat of authoritarian rule once again looms over our nation."

This statement comes at a time of political polarization in the Philippines. Political analysts have noted growing concerns about democratic backsliding across Southeast Asia, including in the Philippines, with debates over press freedom, human rights, and the concentration of political power featuring prominently in national discourse.

The Duterte Family and Political Dynamics

Sebastian Duterte's statement carries particular weight given his family's political prominence. As the son of former President Rodrigo Duterte and brother to Vice President Sara Duterte, his perspectives on democracy and authoritarianism reflect the complex political landscape of the Philippines.

The Duterte family has had a complicated relationship with the Marcos family. While former President Rodrigo Duterte allowed the burial of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery) in 2016—a controversial decision that sparked protests—Mayor Sebastian's statement appears to take a firm stance against authoritarian governance.

A Call for Unity and Historical Truth

Mayor Duterte emphasized that the People Power Revolution represents more than just a political transition: "People Power was more than just a revolution, it was a testament to the collective strength of the Filipino people in demanding truth, justice, and accountability."

He also stressed the importance of historical accuracy and protecting democratic institutions: "Let us honor its legacy by ensuring that history is never distorted, our rights are never trampled upon, and our democracy remains intact for future generations."

This call for historical truth comes amid ongoing debates about historical revisionism in the Philippines, particularly regarding the Martial Law period. Educators and historians have expressed concern about attempts to downplay the human rights abuses that occurred during the Marcos regime.

The Way Forward

As the Philippines marks this significant anniversary, Mayor Duterte's closing words serve as both a reminder of past suffering and a call to action for the future: "May the darkest times in our history never happen again."

This sentiment echoes across Philippine society as the nation continues to navigate the challenges of strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights, and fostering national unity in a politically divided environment.

The 39th anniversary of the People Power Revolution serves as a moment for reflection on how far the Philippines has come since 1986, and the ongoing work needed to protect and strengthen its democratic foundations for generations to come.