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  • Annie Ramirez captures gold, defends title at 2026 Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship 

    Annie Ramirez captures gold, defends title at 2026 Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship 

    Annie Ramirez once again proved why she remains one of the Philippines’ top jiu-jitsu athletes, adding another gold medal to her growing international legacy after successfully defending her title at the 10th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan.


    The Filipina fighter stood atop the adult female -57kg division after defeating Mongolia’s Shurentsetseg Enkhmunkh in the championship match on Saturday, securing her second straight Asian title in the category. 

     

    Ramirez previously captured gold in the same division during the 2025 edition held in Amman, Jordan.

     

    Beyond another medal, the victory represented another milestone in Ramirez’s decorated career. 

    The 35-year-old now owns three Asian Championship gold medals, having also claimed the top spot during the 2023 tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

     

    “Winning the gold is a blessing and a great honor. I’m thankful to God for the strength and opportunity to compete, and I’m proud to raise the Philippine flag on the international stage. This victory belongs to everyone who has been part of this journey,” Ramirez said.

     

    Ramirez’s latest triumph also continues a remarkable year for the veteran athlete, who opened 2026 with a gold medal performance at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China last April. 

    With major international events ahead, she hopes to carry her winning momentum into the next stage of her career.

     

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    “I hope this is a strong start as we prepare for the upcoming World Championships, the Asian Games, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG). I’ll continue to work hard to represent the Philippines with pride and give my very best,” she said.

     

    While Ramirez delivered the Philippines’ lone gold medal in the competition, the national team still managed a strong overall showing, finishing third in the medal standings with one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.

     

    Joining Ramirez on the podium were Joanne Pauline Tan, who earned silver in the adult female -70kg division, while Eliecha Zoe Malilay (-45kg), Emily Thomas (-57kg), and Dylan Valmores (+70kg) secured bronze medals for Team Philippines.

     

    On the other hand, Jiu-Jitsu Federation of the Philippines praised the athletes for their commitment and the sacrifices behind their performances.

     

    “To our incredible athletes: we are beyond grateful for the relentless hard work, early mornings, and sacrifices you poured into this tournament,” wrote the national federation in a Facebook post Sunday.

     

    “Every drop of sweat on the mats represents your unwavering dedication to jiu-jitsu. You left it all out there and represented the Philippines with absolute pride!”

     

    Following their successful campaign in Kazakhstan, the national team will turn its attention to the upcoming World Championships in Abu Dhabi, scheduled from Aug. 6 to 9. 

     

    The federation believes the lessons gained from the Asian Championship will help the squad prepare for an even bigger challenge ahead.

     

    “This is merely a stepping stone. We are incredibly optimistic about the upcoming competitions. The lessons learned here will only fuel our training, and we cannot wait to see this team step into the next chapter stronger, sharper, and more united than ever,” said the national federation. 

     

    With another Asian crown secured, Ramirez continues to build her legacy as one of the Philippines’ most successful jiu-jitsu competitors while leading a national team determined to make another impact on the global stage.

     

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  • Annie Ramirez wins third straight Asian Beach Games gold for team Philippines 

    Annie Ramirez wins third straight Asian Beach Games gold for team Philippines 

    Team Philippines continued its strong showing in the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, securing its third gold medal of the competition behind another stellar performance from Annie Ramirez.

     

    The reigning Asian Games champion once again proved her dominance on the sand, capturing the gold medal in the women’s -57 kilogram division of jiu-jitsu on Friday, April 24, at the Athletes’ Village competition venue. Ramirez defeated fellow Filipina Emily Thomas via advantage in an all-Philippine final, ensuring that the country would take both the gold and silver medals in the division.

     

    The victory marked a historic milestone for Ramirez, as she clinched her third consecutive Asian Beach Games gold medal, having previously topped the podium in the 2014 and 2016 editions. Her sustained excellence across multiple cycles underscores her status as one of the Philippines’ most accomplished combat sports athletes.

     

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    Despite the lopsided result in the final, Ramirez’s road to the championship was anything but easy. She was tested in the semifinal round by Mongolia’s Shurentsetseg Ehnkhmunkh, engaging in a tightly contested bout that went the full five-minute duration. Ramirez ultimately prevailed, 5–2, using her experience and tactical discipline to pull away in the latter stages and secure her place in the gold medal match.

     

    Reflecting on her victory, Ramirez emphasized both the significance of the achievement and the unique circumstances of facing a compatriot in the final.

    “It’s a big thing that Emily and I were able to close out the division, so it helped lessen the anxiety – especially with everything that happened earlier and the delay. At least whoever won, it’s still a win for the Philippines. I’m very blessed and so happy. It’s one of the rarest things to achieve as a national athlete, so I’m grateful to everyone who helped me,” Ramirez said after winning the gold.

     

    The all-Filipino final highlighted the depth of talent within the country’s jiu-jitsu program, with both Ramirez and Thomas showcasing high-level technique and composure under pressure. While Ramirez ultimately extended her reign, Thomas’ silver medal performance signaled the emergence of another strong contender for the Philippines in future international competitions.

     

    Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino was present at the venue and witnessed firsthand the Filipinas’ dominance in the division. He praised both athletes for their efforts and competitiveness on the international stage.

     

    “Emily wanted the gold for herself and the country, and she fought like a champion. While Annie remains the queen of this mat, we believe Thomas’ time is coming. That resilience and hunger – that’s the true spirit of being a Filipino athlete,” Tolentino added.

     

    With Ramirez’s triumph, the Philippine jiu-jitsu team concluded its Asian Beach Games campaign with an impressive haul of two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. The result further cements the country’s reputation as a rising force in the sport across Asia.

     

    Looking ahead, Ramirez is set to defend her title in the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, later this year. With her current form and proven track record, she will once again be among the favorites to deliver gold for Team Philippines on an even bigger stage.

     

     

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  • “It’s a huge honor”: Annie Ramirez on being named Philippines flag bearer for 2026 Asian Beach Games

    “It’s a huge honor”: Annie Ramirez on being named Philippines flag bearer for 2026 Asian Beach Games

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has confirmed that Team Philippines is fully prepared for its campaign in the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games, set to take place from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, China. The continental multi-sport event will once again bring together elite athletes from across Asia in beach and coastal disciplines, with the Philippines fielding a sizeable and experienced delegation.

     

    POC president Abraham Tolentino expressed confidence that the country’s preparations—both logistical and competitive—are firmly in place ahead of departure. The national contingent will feature 101 athletes competing across multiple sports, including beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, triathlon, wrestling, handball, and jiu-jitsu, among others.

     

    “Everything is ready. We have done our preparations, and the athletes are set to compete,” Tolentino said, underscoring the federation’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and competitive outing for Team Philippines in Sanya.

     

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    Leading the Philippine campaign is decorated jiu-jitsu veteran Annie Ramirez, one of the most accomplished athletes in the delegation. A two-time Asian Beach Games gold medalist, Ramirez is expected to anchor the country’s jiu-jitsu campaign while also serving as one of the team’s flag bearers and senior leaders.

     

    She will be joined by fellow jiu-jitsu standout Kaila Napolis, forming a strong core for the sport that has historically delivered some of the Philippines’ best performances in the Asian Beach Games. Their presence is expected to boost the country’s medal chances, particularly in combat sports where the Philippines has consistently excelled.

     

    Ramirez expressed both pride and responsibility after being given one of the delegation’s leadership roles, emphasizing the significance of representing the country on a major international stage.

    “It’s a huge honor to be named one of the flag bearers for the Philippines. At the same time, it comes with added responsibility and pressure, especially in a big multi-sport event like this. I’m proud to share this moment with Yman, who is one of our rising athletes, and I believe we both represent the future and strength of Philippine jiu-jitsu,” Ramirez said.

     

    Now 35, Ramirez remains one of the country’s most reliable medal prospects. She further solidified her legacy after winning two gold medals at the JJIF World Championships last year, reinforcing her status as a world-class competitor in the discipline. Ahead of the Sanya Games, she has also transitioned to the 57kg division, a move that proved successful after she secured another gold medal last November in her new weight category.

     

    Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new division and the absence of an overseas training camp, Ramirez emphasized that her preparation has remained disciplined and structured.

     

    “My preparation has been consistent with how I approach my past competitions – staying disciplined with my training, strength and conditioning, and overall routine. The only difference this time is that I didn’t have an international training camp, but I made sure to maximize what I have locally and stay focused on my goals,” she added.

     

    Historically, the Philippines has performed competitively in the Asian Beach Games, amassing five gold, 10 silver, and 35 bronze medals in previous editions. Combat sports, particularly jiu-jitsu, have consistently been among the country’s strongest medal sources, alongside emerging success in beach volleyball and other beach-based disciplines.

     

    As Team Philippines departs for Sanya, expectations remain cautiously optimistic. While officials have avoided setting a specific medal target, the expanded and more seasoned roster is expected to improve on past performances. Beyond immediate results, the campaign is also seen as part of a longer-term build-up toward future international competitions, including the pathway to the 2028 Olympic cycle.

     

    With a blend of veteran leaders and rising talents, the Philippine delegation aims not only to contend for medals but also to further establish its presence in Asia’s growing beach sports landscape.

     

     

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