The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has officially appointed Karate Pilipinas president Richard Lim as the country’s Chef de Mission for the 20th Asian Games, which will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
The announcement was made during the POC General Assembly held in Pasay City on Thursday, July 9, with POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirming that Lim will lead the Philippine delegation in one of the continent’s biggest multi-sport competitions.
Lim takes over the role from businessman and sports executive Al Panlilio, who stepped down after concluding that he would be unable to fully dedicate himself to the demanding responsibilities of Chef de Mission.
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Panlilio, who was elected president of the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) in April 2026, informed the POC that balancing his new responsibilities with overseeing the country’s Asian Games campaign would not allow him to give the position the attention it deserves.
“Al Panlilio admitted to us that it would be unfair to everyone if he cannot give his 100 percent commitment as Chef de Mission for our Filipino athletes and delegates in the Asian Games. We accepted his resignation,” Tolentino said to the media.
The appointment of Lim ensures continuity in Team Philippines’ preparations as the experienced sports administrator has already handled similar responsibilities on the international stage.
Lim is well-regarded within Philippine sports circles for his leadership in Karate Pilipinas and has steadily built a reputation as an effective sports executive capable of managing large delegations in major international competitions. His previous experience as Chef de Mission during the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, provided him with valuable insight into coordinating athletes, coaches, and support personnel in a multi-sport environment.
LIM IS PH’S CDM FOR ASIAD 🇵🇭
Karate Pilipinas President Richard Lim will be the Philippines’ chef de mission at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.
Lim was previously chef de mission for the 2025 Asian Winter Games. (📷: Ali Sulit)… pic.twitter.com/GppaaySSE7
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) July 9, 2026
Before that assignment, Lim also served as Deputy Chef de Mission for the Bahrain Asian Youth Games, further strengthening his credentials for one of Philippine sports’ most important leadership positions.
Highlighting Lim’s experience, Tolentino expressed confidence that the Karate Pilipinas chief is well-equipped to oversee the country’s campaign in Japan.
“Ricky Lim is already familiar with the job after serving as the Chef de Mission to the Harbin Asian Winter Games in China last February 2025 and as deputy Chef de Mission to the Bahrain Asian Youth Games last year,” he added.
To help manage the country’s sizable delegation, Lim will be supported by an experienced team of deputy chiefs of mission. The group includes Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy, Philippine Judo Federation official Alexander Sulit, Curling Pilipinas representative Jarryd Bello, and Vovinam Philippines’ Jop Malonzo.
Together, they will oversee the logistical, administrative, and operational needs of Team Philippines throughout the continental competition while ensuring athletes receive the necessary support both on and off the field of play.
The Philippines is expected to send a 430-member athlete delegation to Aichi-Nagoya, making it one of the country’s largest contingents in recent editions of the Asian Games. The national team will compete in 40 of the 43 sports featured in the continental showpiece, reflecting the continued growth and development of Philippine sports across multiple disciplines.
Leading the delegation is Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who remains one of the country’s brightest medal hopes after cementing his place among the world’s elite gymnasts. Yulo is expected to spearhead a talented roster that includes established champions and rising stars aiming to deliver strong performances against Asia’s best athletes.
The Asian Games remain one of the most prestigious competitions outside the Olympic Games, bringing together thousands of athletes from across the continent every four years. For Team Philippines, the tournament presents another opportunity to build on recent international successes and showcase the country’s continued progress across a wide range of sports.
With preparations entering their final stages, the appointment of Richard Lim provides stability and experienced leadership as Team Philippines shifts its focus toward achieving another successful campaign on the continental stage in Japan.
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