Sibol secures bronze in Pokémon UNITE at Asian Games

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 27, 2026

Photo Courtesy: POC

The Philippines secured another medal at the 2026 Asian Games, with national esports team Sibol taking bronze in the Pokémon UNITE competition.

Sibol’s medal finish was confirmed after the team fell to Indonesia, 0-2, in the semifinals at the Aichi Sky Expo in Japan.

The Filipinos had earlier advanced to the semifinals after sweeping Hong Kong, 2-0, in the quarterfinals, assuring the country of at least a bronze medal.

Sibol had a difficult start to its campaign after its scheduled opening match against Kazakhstan was called off because of a uniform violation involving both teams. The Philippines then bounced back with 2-0 victories over Chinese Taipei and Malaysia to advance from the group stage.

Against Indonesia, Sibol narrowly lost the opening game, 312-277, before Indonesia dominated the second game to complete the sweep.

The bronze marks the Philippines’ first-ever Asian Games medal in Pokémon UNITE, adding another milestone to the country’s growing esports campaign at the continental Games.

Sibol’s result also adds to the Philippines’ medal haul at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, as Filipino athletes continue competing across traditional sports and esports events.