MANILA, Philippines — Ranged against the continent’s finest, the Philippines stood tall as Southeast Asia’s top‑performing nation in the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong.
Ana Bhianca Espenilla and Jerico Cadag delivered the breakthrough performances with a silver and bronze medal that installed Team Philippines in 13th overall ahead of regional rivals in the premier Asian trackfest.
Espenilla, 19, unleashed a personal‑best 52.20 meters in her sixth and final shot put throw, catapulting herself to second place among 13 competitors for the biggest finish of her young career.
“These under‑20 athletes across Asia have become faster and stronger, and the field is tougher than ever,’’ said Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association President Terry Capistrano.
“Watching the competition from beyond Southeast Asia perform at such an exceptional level compels us to train harder, prepare smarter, and take it even further,’’ added Capistrano.
Cadag, 18, proved his mettle in the men’s 3000m steeplechase final, clocking 9:35.10 to clinch bronze behind India’s Nikhil Chandrashekar (9:25.44) and Japan’s Yuu Kato (9:27.30).
With Espenilla’s silver and Cadag’s bronze, the Philippine squad supported by the Philippine Sports Commission closed the meet in resounding fashion.
PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco and Flubert Cosue oversaw the seven‑member delegation, with coaches Roselyn Hamero and Jonah Genilza guiding the athletes.
Thailand brought over 20 athletes and finished 14th overall with a lone silver, while China dominated the championships with 14 gold, 9 silver, and 2 bronze medals, followed by India’s 10‑5‑4 haul.
“These championships are a true showcase of the continent’s finest young talents. What we are witnessing here is nothing less than the future of Asian athletics,’’ Capistrano added.
Espenilla will join Jeralyn Rodriguez (400m), Naomi Cesar (800m), and Ivan Cabanda (400m hurdles) to the World U20 Athletics Championships in Oregon on August 5-9.
Rodriguez, 19, punched her ticket with a 54.83‑second run in the women’s 400m over the weekend, comfortably clearing the qualification standard.
Other Filipino tracksters who battled at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground included Sep Placido (women’s 5000m race walk), Jecel Vivas (women’s 400m and 100m hurdles), Pi Wangkay (men’s 100m), and Alfred Talplacido (men’s 400m). TMT
