THE Philippines posted another 4-gold haul at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, matching its record in 2018 and 2022, but took home more silvers and bronzes — nine and 16, respectively — for a total of 29 medals.
The slew of silvers and bronzes enabled the Philippines to achieve its best Asiad finish in terms of medal composition since its 7-gold, 6-silver, and 24-bronze haul at the 1962 edition in Jakarta, where the Philippines placed fifth overall.
At press time on Saturday afternoon during the penultimate day of competitions, the Philippines stood in 16th place with a 4-9-16 gold-silver-bronze haul in a field of 45 countries.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio expressed satisfaction with the country’s performance.
“We’re very happy that we won so many medals in so many sports — if I’m not mistaken, in 18 or 19 sports. In China [at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games], we won medals in 11 sports,” said Gregorio.
“That is a major change, and that is what is important for the development of Philippine sports, particularly our grassroots program.”
Redeeming himself from his so-so performance at the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta, gymnast Carlos Yulo seized two gold medals this time, winning titles in floor exercise and vault to lead the Filipino athletes.
Yulo has now won in every major international competition — Asian Games, Asian Championships, Southeast Asian Games, World Championships, and the Olympics.
Ernest John “EJ” Obiena delivered the Philippines’ second gold after defending his men’s pole vault title.
Obiena secured his second straight gold medal in a record fashion, posting a 5.91m clearance to break his 5.90m in the previous edition in Hangzhou, China, back in 2023.
A few gold medals and podium finishes slipped, especially after the controversial loss of boxer Carlo Paalam in the men’s 55kg final, the early exits of jiujitsu world champs Kimberly Custodio and Annie Ramirez, and the heartbreaking fourth-place finishes of swimmer Kayla Sanchez.
Alex Eala lost to Wang Xiyu of China in the women’s singles semifinals at the 2026 Asian Games, replacing a gold hope for a bronze medal.
Taekwondo jin Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape rose to somehow negate that with a surprise gold.
Yape topped the mixed virtual taekwondo that enabled the Philippines to match its 4-gold haul from the previous Asiad edition in addition to his individual poomsae bronze.
Tasked as the flag bearer in the closing ceremony on Sunday, Yape highlighted a best-ever 1-3-1 gold-silver-bronze haul by the Filipino jins at the Asiad.
