Games to remember: Sustained dominance, youth power mark Team Phl’s Asiad stint

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was eyeing eight gold medals. On the other hand, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio wants at least five, saying that anything more than the previous haul of four will already be a major achievement.

Regardless of the outcome, it was an Asian Games to remember for the Filipino athletes as the established stars sustained their dominance while young guns sparkled, signaling the dawn of a new era in their best ever participation in more than six decades.

When the smoke of the battle cleared, Filipino athletes emerged with four gold, nine silver and 16 bronze medals — a finish that surpassed the 4-6-24 harvest during the Jakarta edition of the Asian Games in 1962.

In five previous editions, the Philippines also grabbed four gold medals, but had fewer silvers and bronzes. They emerged with 4-4-6 in 1978 Bangkok, 4-5-9 in 1986 Seoul, 4-6-9 in 2006 Doha, 4-2-15 in 2018 Jakarta-Palembang and 4-2-12 in 2023 Hangzhou.

“This is the best performance of the Philippines in 64 years. When we say 64 years, the last time was in 1962 in Jakarta. So this is the most medals we have won in 64 years,” said Gregorio, whose agency will dole out around P35 million as cash incentives for medal winners.

“We’re very happy we won so many medals in so many sports. In China (2023 Hangzhou Asian Games), we won in 11 sports. That’s the big change, and that’s what’s important for the development of Philippine sports, for our grassroots program.”

Indeed, it was such an unforgettable edition of the Asian Games for Filipino athletes.

They were greeted with a major heartbreak following the dismal setback of reigning champion Gilas Pilipinas in men’s basketball competition followed by the early ouster of Alas Pilipinas Women in women’s basketball. Then, one by one, those who are expected to deliver like Olympians Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio of boxing and Kayla Sanchez of swimming fell by the wayside, putting a cloud of gloom in the early stretch of the Filipinos’ campaign in this prestigious continental showpiece.

But after five days of hunting for gold, the most accomplished Filipino Olympian finally broke the ice.

Carlos Yulo bagged a pair of gold medals in his pet events — floor exercise and vault — while his 18-year-old brother, Eldrew, made a strong impression in his Asian Games debut when he pocketed the bronze in horizontal bar to boost the morale of Filipino athletes.

Former world No. 2 Ernest John Obiena cemented his status as the best pole vaulter in Asia as he posted a record-breaking 5.91 meters to give the country its second gold medal.

“I’m satisfied. The Games record was already won,” said Obiena, whose personal best is 6.0 meters but huffed and puffed in the early part of the competition due to cramps.

“I think I have a good jump in me. That’s pretty much the story. I’m better, that’s for sure. I’m getting smarter.”

Just before the tourney came to a close, the Filipinos drew another gold from an event that is being held in the Asian Games for the very first time — virtual taekwondo.

After pocketing a bronze medal in poomsae event, Jeus Yape made history when he became the first ever Filipino to secure a gold medal in virtual taekwondo, a victory that matched their previous hail and set the stage for their most successful participation since 1962.

Aside from that, Yape, a 22-year-old University of Santo Tomas student, also spearheaded the youth movement among Filipino athletes, joining Eldrew Yulo, 21-year-old Alex Eala of lawn tennis, 20-year-old Abert Delos Santos of weightlifting, 18-year-old Juliana Candelaria and 18-year-old Tachiana Mangin of taekwondo, and 23-year-old Victoria Bossong of athletics on top of the medal podium.

For his last-minute addition to the gold collection,Yape was tapped by the POC to carry the flag during the closing ceremonies.

It was indeed a mission accomplished for Filipino athletes. More than the medals, it delivered a glimpse of what the future holds for Philippine sports, a reason to hope, a reason to believe.

Gregorio and Tolentino — the country’s top two sports officials — may have different opinions on the medal projection but one thing is sure: The Nagoya edition of the Asian Games will always be special.