Philippines' Progella and Pagara Win Historic Asian Games Beach Volleyball Bronze

Khy Progella and Sofiah Pagara of the Philippines won bronze in the women's beach volleyball at the Asian Games 2026. The result is the Philippines' best finish in Asian Games beach volleyball since the sport was introduced at the 1994 Hiroshima Games.

The pair beat China's Cao Shuting and Dong Jie in the bronze medal match on Friday, October 2, at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court in Aichi. They celebrated with fellow Alas Pilipinas players Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons after the match.

Progella and Pagara reached the semi-finals by upsetting hosts Japan in the quarter-finals on Wednesday. They then lost 21-23, 18-21 to Thailand's Taravadee Naraphornrapat and Worapeerachayakorn Kongphopsarutawadee in Thursday's semi-final. The Filipinos led 19-15 in the first set and 14-12 in the second before the Thais pulled away. The same Thai pair are the reigning Asian Beach Games champions.

Rondina and Pons, the Philippines' other pair, lost to the same Thai duo in the quarter-finals. They went down 17-21, 21-12, 13-15 after leading 13-11 in the deciding set. Rondina and Pons had beaten the same Thai pair to win the 33rd Southeast Asian Games gold.

Progella and Pagara had finished ninth at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, so the bronze is a big step up. Thailand's pair advanced to the gold medal match. The beach volleyball competition runs through October 3.