.jpg)
Wushu artist Agatha Wong competing during the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia on May 10, 2023. Handout/POC-PSC Media/File
Wushu star Agatha Wong and cable wakeboard sensation Raph Trinidad lead the Philippine contingent when the 2025 World Games opens on Thursday evening at the Tianfu International Convention Centre.
The opening ceremony, set at 8:00 p.m., will not take place in a stadium but instead on the wooden eaves of a massive gallery, creating an open-air vibe with the massive Qinhuang lake on the side.
READ: Pinoy athletes begin arriving in Chengdu for World Games
Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc will join the flag bearers along with the other Filipino athletes in Chengdu who are all encouraged to take part in the festivities barring any conflict on arrival or training.
"I am excited because it is my first time in an opening ceremony. I just want myself to enjoy and live throughout the experience," Wong said.
From there, the Philippine representatives, supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee headed by President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, will see a unique torch-lighting ceremony on the waters, with local Chinese bets passing the torch through a motorboat and skiers completing the ignition, a three-part fireworks display, and all the dramatic Sichuan-style performances to end the night.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio is expected to watch from the spectators row, along with prominent Chinese officials and World Games executives led by President Jose Perurena Lopez.
Meanwhile, the men's floorball team will open the country's schedule, plunging into action against Latvia at 9 a.m. at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre.
Coached by Noel Mendoza, the 14-man squad, ranked No. 12 in the world, arrived first in Chengdu last Sunday, and had its first practice Tuesday evening to prepare for the Latvians who are No. 4 but were beaten by Switzerland, 4-3, in the first game Wednesday.
"We feel great and confident. The team is ready," Philippine Floorball Association President Marco Ortiz said.
Among the players to watch is forward Melvin Mendoza, who has plenty of international experience including a silver medal in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and three World Championship appearances.