The Alas Pilipinas women's national volleyball team. Volleyball Philippines/Facebook.MANILA — Alas Pilipinas Women will open its 2026 Asian Games campaign against defending champion China on Wednesday at the Okazaki Central Park General Stadium in Okazaki.
China has long dominated the Asian Games women’s volleyball tournament, winning its ninth gold medal after sweeping Japan in the final of the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
But despite drawing one of the tournament favorites on opening day, Alas star Bella Belen believes the Philippine team is ready for the challenge.
“We will do our very best against China,” Belen said during the team’s flight from Manila.
The match marks Alas Pilipinas Women’s first appearance in the continental showpiece since the 2018 Jakarta Games, where veteran setter and team captain Jia De Guzman was also part of the squad.
The Philippines will then face Kazakhstan on Thursday in its second and final Pool B game.
With only three teams in the group, Alas needs to beat Kazakhstan to advance to the quarterfinals.
The rest of the Philippine roster includes Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Shaina Nitura, Alyssa Solomon, Amie Provido, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, Niña Ytang, Mars Alba, and Justine Jazareno.
The men’s competition begins on Sept. 27, while beach volleyball gets underway on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court.
Qatar and China are the defending champions in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.