Sen. Bam Aquino has praised the Philippine delegation at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, after the country recorded its biggest medal haul at the continental competition in six decades.
Aquino also called for sustained government support for sports development, citing the need for continued investments in grassroots programs, athlete training, sports facilities, coaching, and other support initiatives. He said these efforts can help more Filipinos discover and develop their athletic talents and compete at both national and international levels.
In Senate Resolution No. 702, Aquino commended the 447-member Philippine delegation and the Filipino medalists who competed in the quadrennial event, held from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, 2026.
The Philippine team secured 29 medals across various sports, consisting of four golds, nine silvers, and 16 bronzes.
The total medal tally was the country’s biggest since garnering 42 medals in the 1966 edition of the Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. The team also surpassed the country’s 18-medal haul in the 2022 Asian Games.
“With the valiant effort of our Filipino athletes in their respective events, the Philippines delivered an impressive performance, garnering four (4) gold medals, nine (9) silver medals, and sixteen (16) bronze medals across various sports,” said Sen. Bam.
The country’s four gold medals came from two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo, who topped the men’s vault and floor exercise in artistic gymnastics; Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, who won the men’s pole vault; and Jesus Gabriel Derick Yape, who captured gold in mixed individual virtual taekwondo.
Among the nine silver medalists were Jean Claude Saclag in MMA; Gilas Pilipinas Women in 3×3 basketball; Abegail Sinogbuhan, Jean Marie Sucalit and Jay Salon in women’s doubles sepak takraw; Amaya Amparo Cojuangco in archery; Juliana Mykhail Candelaria, Tachiana Mangin and Kurt Bryan Barbosa in taekwondo; Carlo Paalam in boxing; and Alex Enriquez in jiu-jitsu.
Bronze medalists were Princess Catindig, Bien Zoleta, Christy Sanosa, Shyryn Salazar, and Hilary Paas in women’s team soft tennis; Samantha Veguillas, Ysabielle Arrogante, and Rebecca Torres in women’s team kata in karate; Marie June Adriano in women’s individual kumite; Karl Jahrel Eldrew Yulo in men’s horizontal bar in artistic gymnastics; Albert Ian Delos Santos in men’s 70kg weightlifting; John Cabang Tolentino in the men’s 110m hurdles; and Lance David, Ducke Harnold Leoncio, Lawrence Anthony Gatmaitan, Kim Rey Salazar, Robert John Mempin, and Michael Vaughan Ocio of Team Sibol in Pokémon UNITE Esports.
The other bronze winners were Jason Huerte, Glindel Phori, Jom Rafael, Reynaldo Asilum Jr., and Ronsited Gabayeron in men’s regu sepak takraw; Golden Dajao, Dragon Dajao, Charles Esguerra, Chammy Nazarrea, and Justine Tan of Sibol in Honour of Kings Esports; Jayuard Alciso in men’s shortboard surfing; Carlos Alvarez in men’s traditional 77kg MMA; Victoria Bossong in the women’s 800m; Alex Eala in women’s singles tennis; Jesus Gabriel Derick Yape in men’s individual poomsae taekwondo; Khylem Harl Progella and Sofiah Shanine Pagara in women’s beach volleyball; and Kaila Jenna Napolis in women’s 52kg jiu-jitsu.
“The achievements of the Philippine delegation reflect not only the individual excellence and determination of its medalists but also the collective efforts of all Filipino athletes, coaches, trainers, and support personnel who have worked to represent the country with distinction,” Sen. Bam said.
Beyond their victories and medals, Sen. Bam stressed that Filipino athletes serve as role models for the youth, demonstrating how discipline, perseverance, and dedication can help individuals develop their talents, overcome challenges, and pursue their aspirations.
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