Yulo brothers start medal quest

Brothers Carlos and Karl Eldrew Yulo and the Philippine men’s artistic gymnastics team begin their 20th Asian Games campaign Monday, with the individual and team all-around events set at the Nagoya City General Gymnasium.

Competition starts at 9 a.m. (Manila time), with the Filipino medal hopefuls aiming to make an early statement and put themselves in contention for a podium finish.

Carlos, 21, will be among the favorites in the individual all-around as he seeks his first Asian Games medal after missing the 2018 Jakarta edition and skipping the 2023 Hangzhou Games to focus on qualifying for the Paris Olympics.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion will also be making his second Asiad appearance, returning to Japan where he trained under Munehiro Kugimiya beginning in 2016.

But beyond winning medals, Yulo said staying healthy and executing his routines remains his priority.

“Hopefully, we stay safe. That is always my prayer — that we deliver the performance we’ve been aiming for, and hopefully, bring home medals for the Philippines,” Carlos said.

“I’m really excited. Hopefully, we can bring home a medal — not just for us, but for the Philippines as well.”

The road to the all-around podium, however, will be difficult, with Yulo facing some of the continent’s most decorated gymnasts.

Host Japan will be led by Olympic gold medalists Hashimoto Daiki and Oka Shinnosuke.

Hashimoto, regarded as the successor to Japanese gymnastics legend Uchimura Kohei, is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion.

Oka, meanwhile, is a three-time Olympic champion and four-time Asian Games champion.

China will also have a formidable contender in Zhang Boheng, the defending Asian Games individual all-around champion.

The 26-year-old Zhang has won three Asian Games medals and two world titles, making him another major obstacle to Yulo’s bid for the podium.