POC Names Frigoni, Minowa as 2026 Asian Games Coaches

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has appointed Angiolino Frigoni and Taka Minowa as the head coaches of the Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s national volleyball teams for the 2026 Asian Games. According to an initial report by Niel Victor C. Masoy of The Manila Times, Frigoni will lead the men’s team, while Minowa will take charge of the women’s squad. The appointments will take effect on July 1, with both contracts running through October 15 to cover the entire Asian Games campaign.

The 20th Asian Games will be held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

Image from: Sports Bytes Philippines

Frigoni Returns to Lead the Men’s National Team

Frigoni returns after previously guiding Alas Pilipinas during one of the program’s most successful recent stretches. His previous tenure included notable international results that raised expectations for Philippine men’s volleyball. The veteran Italian coach also brings decades of experience from national teams and professional clubs across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Frigoni’s Previous Achievements

During his earlier stint with Alas Pilipinas, Frigoni helped the team achieve:

• Bronze medal at the 2024 SEA Men’s V.League (Leg 2)
• Historic victory over Egypt at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship
• 19th-place finish among 32 nations at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship
• Bronze medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games

Those results remain among the program’s strongest international performances in recent years.

Minowa Takes Charge of the Women’s National Team

Minowa assumes his biggest national team assignment after building experience in Philippine professional and youth volleyball. The Japanese coach previously handled the Akari Chargers and Nxled Chameleons in the Premier Volleyball League from 2023 to 2025. He also coached the Philippine girls’ national team during the 2024 AVC Under-18 Women’s Volleyball Championship in Thailand.

Coaching Background

Minowa’s coaching experience includes:

• Head coach of the Akari Chargers
• Head coach of the Nxled Chameleons
• Head coach of the Philippine girls’ national team
• 10th-place finish at the 2024 AVC Under-18 Women’s Volleyball Championship

His appointment marks his first opportunity to lead the country’s senior women’s national volleyball team.

Recommended Article: PSC Hall of Fame Cited as Gregorio’s Legacy

Coaching Appointments Provide Continuity

The appointments place experienced coaches in charge of both national programs before one of Asia’s biggest sporting events. Frigoni returns after previously working with the men’s national team, while Minowa already has experience coaching Filipino players at both the club and youth international levels. Both coaches will oversee preparations leading to the Asian Games in Japan.

Asian Volleyball Challenge

The Philippines will compete against several of Asia’s established volleyball nations, including:

• Japan
• China
• Iran
• Kazakhstan
• Thailand
• South Korea

Preparation for the tournament will continue under the newly appointed coaching staff.

Asian Games Preparation Begins

The coaching appointments provide both national teams with a defined leadership structure before preparations intensify. Officials announced the appointments several months before the opening of the Asian Games, allowing the coaching staff to oversee training, player evaluation, and tournament preparations. The contracts remain in effect through the conclusion of the continental competition.

Key Dates

Important dates include:

• July 1 – Coaching appointments take effect
• September 19 – Asian Games opening
• October 4 – Asian Games conclude
• October 15 – Coaching contracts expire

The schedule allows both coaches to supervise the complete Asian Games campaign.

Industry Analysis: Continuity Supports Alas Pilipinas Campaign

The appointments provide continuity for both Alas Pilipinas programs before one of the region’s most competitive multi-sport events. Frigoni returns after producing measurable international results with the men’s team, while Minowa brings experience from Philippine professional volleyball and youth national team competition. Establishing coaching stability months before the Asian Games allows both programs to focus on player preparation, tactical development, and team chemistry rather than organizational transition.

Current Priorities

The coaching staff is expected to focus on:

• Team preparation
• Tactical development
• Player evaluation
• Training camp implementation
• Asian Games readiness

The effectiveness of those preparations will become clearer once both national teams begin their official training camps and international competitions.

Source Note: This report is based on publicly available reporting by The Manila Times and the official coaching appointments announced by the Philippine Olympic Committee. Information regarding coaching assignments, contract periods, and tournament preparations reflects details available at the time of publication and may be updated through future official announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will coach Alas Pilipinas at the 2026 Asian Games?

Angiolino Frigoni will coach the men’s national team, while Taka Minowa will lead the women’s national team.

When will the 2026 Asian Games be held?

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

What are Angiolino Frigoni’s achievements with Alas Pilipinas?

He guided the men’s team to a SEA V.League bronze medal, a victory over Egypt at the FIVB Men’s World Championship, a 19th-place world finish, and a Southeast Asian Games bronze medal.

Who is Taka Minowa?

Taka Minowa is a Japanese volleyball coach who previously handled the Akari Chargers, Nxled Chameleons, and the Philippine girls’ national volleyball team.

Why are these coaching appointments important?

The appointments establish the leadership of both national teams ahead of preparations for the 2026 Asian Games.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from Pilipinas Sports Bar.