The 49-year-old Nepomuceno, the only bowler to win the World Cup four times, was chosen for his exemplary performance in the sport and the respect he commands among his fellow athletes, The Philippine Star reported on Wednesday.

It will be the second time that the left-handed bowler will carry the flag in the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, the first being in Hiroshima, Japan in 1994.

Nepomuceno said it is such an honor being chosen the flag bearer.

"It's a big honor for me. Being the flag bearer in the Asian Games is a big responsibility. So I hope to give my best in Doha," said Nepomuceno.

Nepomuceno, who won the Asian Games gold medal in men's doubles in Busan in 2002 along with RJ Bautista, will lead the Philippine contingent composed of 267 athletes and close to a hundred officials in the opening ceremony.