Big names in the physical sports industry will star in Netflix’s survival reality show “Physical: Asia,” which premieres in October as the newest season of the “Physical:100” franchise, produced in South Korea.
From Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines to Robert Whittaker of Australia, the line-up epitomises strength, determination and identity – bound to manifest in high-stakes challenges for “nothing less than national pride”.
From inside the ring to TV screen
In a news release on September 19, Netflix revealed the 48 contestants of the “Physical: Asia,” which is regarded as “the most ambitious evolution” of the “Physical: 100” franchise to date, with an inaugural “nation-vs-nation showdown”.
The previous two seasons of the hit reality show featured 100 competitors fighting to outlast each other in a gruelling individual tournament.
In the upcoming season, contestants will be divided into eight six-member teams from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia and the Philippines.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Golf news: Luke Donald urged to trust gut feelings in Ryder Cup battle vs Team USA
National superstars
Each of the squad is “anchored by a national superstar who embodies the competitive spirit of their homeland,” explains Netflix.
Headlining the list of all-male squad leaders is boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in history, who will lead team Philippines.
Robert Whittaker, who made his mark in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) ring as “The Reaper,” will be leading the Australian team.
Producer South Korea will be having another UFC icon Dong-hyun Kim, a.k.a “Stun Gun,” as frontman, while Japan will put forward Yushin Okami, hailed by Netflix as “one of Asia’s most decorated MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighters”.
Thai figurehead
Muay Thai world champion Superbon Singha Mawynn will be the Thai team’s figurehead, while it will be Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan, a traditional wrestling star, for Mongolia, and another wrestler great Recep Kara for Turkey.
For team Indonesia, bodybuilder Igede Dharma Susila, popularly known as the “Executioner,” will be the headman.
With a blend of “elite athleticism” and “cultural tradition,” “Physical: Asia” is projected to showcase “heritage, pride and physical mastery on an unprecedented global stage,” according to Netflix.
Boxing news: World of boxing mourns the passing of Ricky Hatton at the age of 46
Raw competition
Show creator Jang Ho-gi says: “At its heart, the Physical series is about raw competition that transcends disciplines and generations.
“By bringing national pride into the equation, the battles will be more intense, more emotional, and more unforgettable than ever.”
Here is the complete list of members for each team:
Team South Korea: Kim Dong-hyun (MMA fighter), Yun Sung-bin (skeleton racer), Kim Min Jae (ssireum wrestler), Amotti (Physical:100 Season 2 winner), Jan Eun Sil (wrestler) and Choi Seung-Yeon (crossfit athlete)
Team Japan: Yushin Okami (MMA fighter), Yoshio Itoi (former baseball player), Katsumi Nakamura (swimmer), Soichi Hashimoto (judo athlete), Nonoka Ozaki (wrestler), Kana Watanabe (MMA fighter)
Team Thailand: Superbon Singha Mawynn (Muay Thai fighter), James Rusameekae (volleyball player), Sunny Kerdkao Wechokittikorn (rugby player), Anucha Yospanya (wrestler), Ploy Nuannaree Olsen (Muay Thai coach), Jar Uracha Teerawanitsan (crossfit athlete)
Team Mongolia: Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan (traditional wrestler), Dulguun Enkhbat (basketball player), Enkh-orgil Baatarkhuu (MMA fighter), Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochirn (circus artist), Khandsuren Gantogtokh (volleyball player), Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan (judoka)
Team Turkey: Recep Kara (wrestler), Anil Berk Baki (sailor), Ali Sofuoglu (karate athlete), Ogeday Girisken (rower), Yasemin Adar Yigit (wrestler), Nefise Karatay (track athlete)
Team Indonesia: Igede Dharma Susila (bodybuilder), Jeremiah Lakhwani (hybrid athlete), Glenn Victor (former swimmer), Marcus Gideon (former badminton player), Fina Phillipe (jiu jitsu athlete), Maria Selena (former basketball player)
Team Australia: Robert Whittaker (MMA fighter), Eddie Williams (strongman), Dom Tomato (parkour athlete), Eloni Vunakece (former rugby player), Katelin Van Zyl (crossfit athlete), Alexandra Milne (fitness coach)
Team Philippines: Manny Pacquiao (boxer), Mark Mugen (MMA fighter), Ray Jefferson Querubin (strongman), Justin Coveney (rugby player), Robyn Lauren Brown (hurdler), Lara Lorraine Deang Liwanag (crossfit athlete).
READ NEXT: Music news: BINI first Filipino group to perform at Coachella
Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Vivien Bernardino