Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Asian Beach Games 2026

  • John Forones breaks Philippine speed climbing record at the 2026 Asian Beach Games 

    John Forones breaks Philippine speed climbing record at the 2026 Asian Beach Games 

    Team Philippines continues to enjoy a strong and encouraging campaign in the 2026 Asian Beach Games, maintaining its position among the top-performing nations as competition progresses. With a current tally of eight medals—three golds, three silvers, and two bronzes—the Philippines remains fourth in the overall standings, a notable achievement given the relatively small size of its delegation and the high level of competition across multiple disciplines.

     

    The country’s momentum carried into Wednesday, April 29, as Philippine athletes continued to make their mark in niche but fast-growing events. One of the standout performances came from sports climbing, where John Forones delivered a breakthrough result in the men’s individual speed climbing qualifying round. Forones stopped the clock at an impressive 6.08 seconds, setting a new Philippine national record in the process.

     

    The previous mark of 7.5 seconds was held by teammate Juan Miguel Azupardo, which was established during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Forones’ new record represents a significant leap forward for the sport in the country, highlighting the rapid development of Filipino climbers on the international stage.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Despite his record-setting run, Forones finished 28th overall in the qualifying round, reflecting the steep learning curve in a highly competitive field dominated by more experienced international climbers. Still, the 19-year-old remains optimistic about his trajectory and the future of the sport in the Philippines.

     

    “I definitely worked hard for it. Same with my teammates. I think climbing as a whole, speed climbing in particular, since it’s my initial sport, it’s up for me here to do my best. It doesn’t get any light in the Philippines. I’m excited for the future and what I can bring to the country,” Forones said in a media interaction.

     

    In the relay event, Forones teamed up with Azupardo, but the duo could only manage a 17th-place finish after clocking 15.47 seconds. While the result fell short of podium contention, the pair’s participation continues to build valuable international exposure for a developing program still finding its footing in competitive speed climbing.

    Beyond his athletic progress, Forones’ journey into the sport adds a human layer to his rise. The 19-year-old is currently studying at De La Salle University and only recently joined the national team in 2025, when speed climbing was formally introduced in the Philippines.

     

    He shared how his path into the sport began unexpectedly during childhood.

     

    “I had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when I was a child like when I was eight years old so I had to take therapy. So, one day, we were walking at the SM By The Bay and there was a wall climbing event.

     

    “We got intrigued and inquired about if there is a similar event in Cavite where we were living at that time. That’s where it started. I had a knack for it. For speed climbing, I only got to the national team last year because speed climbing was only introduced last year in the Philippines,” he explained.

     

    His rapid rise underscores how quickly the discipline is evolving locally, especially as more structured training programs and international exposure opportunities become available for young Filipino climbers.

     

    Head coach John Aquino praised the athletes’ commitment and the progress they have made in a short period of time, emphasizing that Forones’ record is a direct product of disciplined preparation and sacrifice.

     

    “We saw their hard work. We had three boot camps in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. We were able to put up our own speed wall through the support of the Pilipinas Climbing (PCI) and the POC, and we were able to break a national record. Well deserved. He worked so hard for it. You can see the bruises on his hands and knees. Literally – blood, sweat, and tears,” Aquino stated.

     

    As the Asian Beach Games continue, Team Philippines’ performances in emerging sports like speed climbing highlight both present competitiveness and long-term potential. While medal standings remain the immediate focus, the deeper story lies in the development of athletes like Forones—young competitors gaining experience on the international stage and steadily raising the standard of Philippine sport climbing for years to come.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Gilas Women win historic silver, Gilas Men fall short in Asian Beach Games 3×3 

    Gilas Women win historic silver, Gilas Men fall short in Asian Beach Games 3×3 

    History was written in the sands of Sanya—even if it didn’t end in gold.


    Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 carved out their best-ever finish in the Asian Beach Games, claiming a silver medal after falling to host China, 21-13, in the finals. 


    While the loss closed their title bid, it also underscored a breakthrough performance that pushed Philippine 3×3 basketball to new heights.

     

    The quartet of Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Gabi Bade, and Kaye Pingol came into the tournament as contenders—but left as standard-bearers. Their silver medal surpassed the program’s previous best bronze finish in 2012, signaling a steady rise on the continental stage.

     

    Their campaign was built on control and consistency. Gilas Women swept through pool play, dispatching Indonesia (15-11), Macau (21-9), and Kyrgyzstan (21-15) with authority. They carried that momentum into the knockout rounds, taking down Kazakhstan (16-11) and Singapore (20-13) to book a finals showdown.

     

    But in the championship, they ran into a tall and disciplined China side led by Fengyi Sun, Hengyu Yang, Junwei Cao, and Lili Wang—proving a tough puzzle they couldn’t quite solve.

    On the men’s side, the road was far less forgiving.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell short of the podium, bowing to China, 21-13, in the bronze medal match. 


    The team of Nic Cabanero, Jeff Manday, Gelo Crisostomo, and Sean Torculas had earlier proven they could match up with the hosts, even scoring a 21-18 win over them in pool play.

     

    They also picked up a 21-18 victory against Macau, though a 21-14 loss to Iran exposed early cracks. Still, the Filipinos fought their way to the semifinals with an 18-14 win over India, only to be edged out by Thailand, 20-18, in a tightly contested clash that denied them a shot at gold.

     

    In the end, the results told two different stories—but pointed to the same direction.

     

    For Gilas Women, it’s a leap forward and a new benchmark. For Gilas Men, it’s a reminder of how thin the margins are at this level.

     

    Either way, Philippine 3×3 basketball continues to gain ground—one possession, one game, and now, one historic medal at a time.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Gilas Pilipinas Men and Women 3×3 secure semifinal spots in the 6th Asian Beach Games

    Gilas Pilipinas Men and Women 3×3 secure semifinal spots in the 6th Asian Beach Games

    Both Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s 3×3 squads carved out hard-earned paths to the semifinals of the 6th Asian Beach Games at the Sanya Sports Centre Stadium, keeping the country’s medal push alive in dramatic fashion.


    For the men, the road to the Final Four was anything but smooth. After clinging to an 11-8 edge against India, Gilas suddenly found itself on the back foot as momentum slipped away late. 

     

    But in a format where games can flip in seconds, Jeff Manday took control when it mattered most. He sparked a decisive 5-0 closing run, tying the game at 14-all with just 22 seconds remaining.

     

    Fouls drawn by Manday and Aldous Torculas proved costly for India, as the Filipinos calmly converted from the free-throw line. Torculas delivered under pressure, sinking crucial shots with 9.8 seconds left to push the lead to 16-14, before Manday iced the game for an 18-14 escape.

     

    “Although underdog kami, lumaban kami hanggang dulo. Thankful ako sa teammates ko, nagtatrabaho para sa bayan,” Manday said.

     

    That resilience now sets up a semifinal clash with Thailand, a familiar regional rival, as Gilas looks to turn survival into a shot at gold.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    If the men relied on late-game poise, the women built their breakthrough on controlled aggression.

     

    Facing a taller Kazakhstan side, the Women’s team leaned into their advantage and speed. Instead of settling for outside shots, they relentlessly attacked the rim, forcing the defense to react and opening scoring opportunities.

     

    When Kazakhstan closed the gap to 12-11 midway through, the response was immediate. Tantoy Ferrer delivered a clutch basket to extend the lead to 14-11 with under two minutes left, before Mikka Cacho finished the job with back-to-back points, sealing a 16-11 victory and a semifinal berth.

     

    “Iyon nga, sa scouting report namin, more on outside shooting sila at mas malalaki sa amin. Alam naman namin na kahit mas maliliit kami, mas mabilis kami,” Ferrer said.

     

    Now, the quartet of Cacho, Ferrer, Gabi Bade, and Kaye Pingol turns its focus to Singapore in the semifinals, carrying with them a formula built on pace and precision.

     

    With both squads advancing, Gilas doubles its chances of adding to the Philippines’ medal haul. The country currently sits third overall with eight medals (3 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), trailing Thailand in second with 22 total medals, and powerhouse China on top with 43 medals in the 6th Asian Beach Games. 

     

    More importantly, both teams have shown they can adapt, respond, and finish which matters the most with medals now within reach. 

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Dhenver Castillo bags silver in Asian Beach Games windsurfing, PH still third in medal tally 

    Dhenver Castillo bags silver in Asian Beach Games windsurfing, PH still third in medal tally 

    Battling both the elements and Asia’s best, Dhenver John Castillo proved that consistency and composure can carry just as much weight as speed on open water.

     

    The Filipino windsurfer delivered a hard-earned silver medal in the boys’ foil event of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, navigating through a grueling 13-heat contest that tested endurance as much as skill.

     

    Castillo finished with 39 net points, tying Thailand’s Wachirawit Thonup after the long series of races. The final result, however, came down to the last sail, where the Thai bet edged ahead to claim gold, leaving Castillo with silver after placing second in the decisive race. A planned 14th heat was eventually scrapped due to unfavorable weather, sealing the final standings.

     

    Despite falling just short of the top podium, the result marked another strong showing for Castillo, who entered the competition as a gold medalist from the previous Southeast Asian Games. Competing on a bigger stage against tougher opposition, the Batangas native embraced the challenge.

     

    “Of course, during training, it’s really hard. You have to persevere,” Castillo said. “You really put all your heart into these competitions. My family told me to always be careful, do your best, while my coaches, they said, always stay focused.”

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “The competition here in China is a bit tough because it’s not just the SEA Games but you are competing against the best in Asia,” he added.

     

    China’s Wang Yiguo dominated the event with a near-flawless performance, taking gold with just 12 net points, underlining the level of competition present in the field.

     

    Castillo’s podium finish contributed to Team Philippines’ steady medal haul in the Games, where the country currently sits among the top performers in the regional meet. The campaign has been highlighted by victories from jiu-jitsu standouts and athletics, reinforcing a balanced showing across multiple disciplines.

     

    More importantly, Castillo’s silver tells a story beyond numbers. It reflects the grind behind the sport—long hours of training, adapting to shifting winds, and making split-second decisions in unpredictable conditions.

     

    With the Asian Beach Games returning after a decade-long hiatus and the Philippines set to host the 2028 edition in Cebu, performances like Castillo’s offer both momentum and promise.

    For now, the young windsurfer leaves Sanya not just with a medal, but with proof that he can compete—and thrive—against the best the continent has to offer.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • “We accomplished our goal”: Gilas Men 3×3 tops pool, reaches quarters 

    “We accomplished our goal”: Gilas Men 3×3 tops pool, reaches quarters 

    A loss to end the group stage rarely feels like a step forward—but for the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Men, it marked the completion of a mission.

     

    Despite absorbing a 14-21 defeat at the hands of Iran in the 6th Asian Beach Games at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium, the Nationals still walked away from Pool A exactly where they wanted to be—on top.

     

    It wasn’t about the final game alone. It was about the body of work.

     

    Locked in a three-way tie with Iran and China at 2-1, Gilas leaned on consistency across all games to secure the No. 1 spot via total accumulated points. In a format where every basket counts, their earlier performances proved just as valuable as any win.

     

    Head coach Patrick Fran emphasized that perspective, choosing to focus on what the team achieved rather than how the group stage ended.

     

    “We accomplished our goal top our pool. Just to be honest, the boys deserved to be here. They worked hard and this is a blessing for us because of the hard work we put in the first day,” Fran said.

     

    “I think this is a big preparation for us going into the quarterfinal tomorrow.” 

     

    The loss to Iran served as a reminder of the physical and tactical challenges waiting ahead.

    Gilas found itself trailing for most of the contest, struggling to match the size and interior presence of their opponents. A late push sparked by Nic Cabañero—who sliced the deficit to five, 14-19, with under two minutes left—briefly gave the Filipinos a window.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    But Iran’s control never wavered, shutting the door on any comeback attempt.

     

    Still, the game offered valuable lessons, especially against a team built on strength and inside scoring—traits that often define success in the half-court-heavy 3×3 format. 

     

    Jeff Manday paced Gilas with eight points, continuing his role as the team’s steady offensive anchor, while Cabañero added six, showcasing his ability to create off the dribble even against taller defenders.

     

    Their production, combined with the team’s collective effort across all three games, ultimately secured their passage to the knockout stage.

     

    With the group stage behind them, the focus now shifts to survival basketball.

    The quarterfinals present a clean slate, where previous records no longer matter and every possession carries heavier weight. For Gilas, the loss to Iran may even serve as an advantage—a timely wake-up call before the stakes rise further.

     

    Their opponent in the Last Eight will be determined Tuesday, but one thing is already clear: this team is no longer just chasing wins.

     

    They are learning how to advance—and that might matter even more.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Gilas Women’s 3×3 turn defensive grit into statement sweep at Asian Beach Games 

    Gilas Women’s 3×3 turn defensive grit into statement sweep at Asian Beach Games 

    Momentum builds through stops, grit, and timely buckets. That was exactly the story for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s 3×3 team, who transformed a shaky opening into a commanding 21-15 victory over Kyrgyzstan to complete a clean sweep of Group C at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya.


    The Filipinas found themselves on the back foot early, as defensive miscues allowed Kyrgyzstan to dictate the pace. But instead of unraveling, the team leaned on experience. 

     

    Mikka Cacho and Tantoy Ferrer anchored the turnaround, chipping away at the deficit possession by possession. By the time Gabi Bade and Kaye Pingol found their rhythm late in the game, the tide had fully shifted.

     

    “Defense. Defense is going to be the key to helping us win all of these games. We just had to stay focused on defense, because our shots will come if we focus on defense. You know, we can’t underestimate any team. Every team is good. So we just have to come out and battle each game,” Bade said.

     

    Balanced scoring told the story of a team effort wherein Ferrer led the Philippine squad with eight points, Cacho followed with seven, Bade added five, and Pingol chipped in one crucial contribution. 

     

    More importantly, the win secured their place in the quarterfinals, where they now await the survivor of the Kazakhstan-Macao play-in clash.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    While the women thrived on a perfect run, the Gilas men’s 3×3 team carved out a more complicated path to the same destination. 

     

    A 14-21 loss to Iran could have derailed their campaign, but earlier results proved enough to keep them on top of Pool A. Locked in a three-way tie with Iran and China, the Filipinos advanced as the No. 1 seed based on total points scored.

     

    Jeff Manday paced the men with eight points in their final outing, while Nic Cabañero added six—numbers that helped preserve their slim edge in the standings.

     

    “We accomplished our goal to top our pool. To be honest, the boys deserved to be here. They worked hard, and this is a blessing for us because of the hard work we put in from day one. I think this is big preparation for us going into the quarterfinals tomorrow,” Coach Patrick Fran said.

     

    For now, the spotlight belongs to the 3×3 squads—especially the women, whose defensive resolve turned early vulnerability into a defining statement. With the knockout stage looming, that identity may prove to be their strongest weapon yet.

     

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • 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.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    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.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Leonard Grospe conquers sand and odds for historic beach high jump gold in Asian Beach Games

    Leonard Grospe conquers sand and odds for historic beach high jump gold in Asian Beach Games

    On a surface that challenged even the most seasoned athletes, the Filipino high jumper Leonard Grospe turned uncertainty into advantage, capturing gold in the men’s high jump at the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China. 


    Competing on sand for the first time in the event’s history, Grospe cleared 2.05 meters on his very first attempt—a mark that ultimately secured the top podium finish and stood as his season best.

    The 24-year-old athlete outdueled strong competition, including Chinese Taipei’s Yeh Po-Ting and China’s Zhang Hao, both of whom needed a second attempt to clear the same height. That single moment of precision proved decisive in a setting where footing was anything but stable.

     

    “Happy po, sobrang happy. Unexpected po kasi sobrang dulas din talaga,” Grospe said. 

     

    The victory carried added significance. This edition marked the return of the Asian Beach Games after nearly a decade and introduced beach high jump as a new discipline—turning Grospe into its first gold medalist in history.

     

    “Eto kasing sand, sobrang hirap all the way. Madulas. Minsan mabigat sa spikes. ‘Yung techniques mo, ‘di mo maa-apply dito kung ‘di mo maaayos,” the athlete from Mapua said. 

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    For an athlete who owns the national record at 2.21 meters, the shift from track to sand required not just physical adjustment, but a complete recalibration of technique and timing. Every step, every plant, every takeoff demanded balance on an unstable surface.

     

    Even Philippine athletics officials acknowledged the scale of the challenge—and the magnitude of Grospe’s response.

     

    “He deserves all the credit. Going here, he was looking for top three… luckily, siya unang naka-clear sa 2.05,” said PATAFA Secretary-General Jasper Tanhueco.

     

    His performance also drew praise from Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who pointed to Grospe’s mindset as a key factor in the win—especially as the country prepares to host the Games in Cebu in 2028.

     

    “Gusto niya, passionate siya, alam niya na kaya niya,” Gregorio said. “Tuloy-tuloy lang. This is what it’s all about as we prepare for our hosting in 2028.”

     

    Grospe’s triumph marked the Philippines’ second gold medal in the 2026 Asian Beach Games, following Alexandria Enriquez’s breakthrough victory in jiu-jitsu a day earlier.

     

    From an untested event on an unforgiving surface came a defining moment—not just for Grospe, but for Philippine beach athletics. And as quickly as he conquered the sand in Sanya, the national record-holder now turns his focus back to familiar ground, preparing for his next campaign in the NCAA.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • World Cup-bound core powers Gilas Women as fresh faces reshape Men’s 3×3 bid in Asian Beach Games

    World Cup-bound core powers Gilas Women as fresh faces reshape Men’s 3×3 bid in Asian Beach Games

    Momentum is a dangerous weapon—and the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Women are bringing plenty of it to the sands of Sanya.

     

    Fresh off securing a historic berth to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, the Filipina dribblers are rolling into the 2026 Asian Beach Games not as underdogs, but as a team with something to prove—and momentum to protect.

     

    At the center of that push are Mikka Cacho and Tantoy Ferrer, two pillars of the squad that punched the country’s ticket to the world stage. Their return signals continuity, chemistry, and confidence—three elements that are often decisive in the fast-paced 3×3 format.

     

    Joining them are Kaye Pingol and Gabi Bade, forming a balanced unit that blends experience with fresh energy. While the roster may have slight changes, the identity remains clear: quick decisions, relentless defense, and the ability to thrive in tight, high-pressure finishes.

     

    The group stage, however, offers no easy path. Slotted in Group C alongside Indonesia, Macau, and Kyrgyzstan, the Filipinas will need to hit the ground running, with only the top two teams advancing to the knockout quarterfinals.

     

    Guiding them remains Anton Altamirano, whose steady hand has been instrumental in the team’s rise on the international 3×3 scene.

     

    If the women’s side is built on continuity, the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Men are taking the opposite route—starting fresh.

     

    Bannered by veteran Jeff Manday, the men’s team features a retooled lineup with Nic Cabanero, Aldous Torculas, and Gelo Crisostomo stepping into bigger roles.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    It’s a sharp contrast from the squad that reached the quarterfinals of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup. Key pieces like Jerrick Ahanmisi, Chris Koon, and Ralph Cu have returned to their mother teams in the Philippine Basketball Association, while Sean Alter is back with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

     

    The result is a squad that may lack shared reps but carries upside—particularly if its younger core clicks quickly.

     

    Handling the reins is Patrick Fran, tasked with molding a competitive unit on short notice. The challenge is immediate: Group A features heavyweights China and Iran, alongside Macau, making every possession critical in the race for a top-two finish.

     

    As action unfolds from April 25 to 29 in Sanya, the contrast between the two Gilas squads becomes the storyline itself.

     

    One team leans on continuity and recent success, aiming to extend its rise on the global stage. The other embraces change, hoping fresh legs and new chemistry can spark an upset run.

     

    Different approaches, same objective: carry the Philippine flag deep into the tournament—and maybe, just maybe, bring home another breakthrough.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Alexandria Luz Enriquez wins first gold for Philippines at 2026 Asian Beach Games in jiu-jitsu 

    Alexandria Luz Enriquez wins first gold for Philippines at 2026 Asian Beach Games in jiu-jitsu 

    Team Philippines struck gold for the first time at the ongoing 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, courtesy of a commanding performance from Alexandria Luz Enriquez, who captured the women’s ne-waza 63-kilogram jiu-jitsu title on Thursday, April 23.

     

    Enriquez, who trains and is based in the United States but proudly represents the Philippines, delivered a composed and dominant showing throughout the competition, capped by a decisive 5–0 victory over South Korea’s Yeonni Lee in the final. Her triumph not only secured the country’s first gold of the Games but also added another milestone to the Philippines’ growing reputation in international jiu-jitsu competition.

     

    The Filipino-American athlete began her campaign in emphatic fashion, recording back-to-back submission victories against opponents from China and Thailand to immediately establish herself as a strong contender for the podium. In the semifinals, Enriquez faced a stern test against Shamma Alkalbani, where both athletes were locked in a tightly contested battle that ended in a 4–4 stalemate. Enriquez ultimately advanced via advantage scoring, demonstrating tactical awareness and composure under pressure to book her place in the final.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    In the championship match, Enriquez asserted control early and never relinquished momentum, securing a clean 5–0 win to claim the gold medal in dominant fashion.

     

    Speaking after her victory, an emotional Enriquez reflected on her journey and connection to her heritage.

     

    “I feel so much pride and joy. First of all, glory to God. I was born in the Philippines and then we immigrated to the States when I was a very young child, six years old. To be able to come back as an adult and experience this, and to be part of something much larger than myself, is such a great honor,” she said.

    Her triumph marked a significant moment not only personally but also for the Philippine delegation, as it became the nation’s sixth overall gold medal in Asian Beach Games history. The achievement comes as the Philippines continues to build momentum in combat sports on the continental stage.

     

    Philippine chef de mission Don Z. Caringal praised Enriquez’s performance, highlighting both its competitive significance and symbolic value.

     

    “Alexandria showed the heart of a true Filipino warrior today. To win gold here in Sanya, against the best in the continent, sets a high standard for our hosting in 2028. This is a proud moment for the entire nation,” Caringal said.

     

    Enriquez’s gold-medal performance came shortly after teammate Kaila Napolis added to the country’s medal tally with a bronze in the same discipline. Napolis, a former silver medalist at the 2016 Asian Beach Games, once again demonstrated her consistency at the elite level, grinding out a hard-fought campaign before falling just short of the final.

     

    “Sobrang nakakakaba. Kasi bawal magkamali. With overtime, the first to have an advantage na yung mananalo. So super tight talaga ng laban,” Napolis said, describing the intensity of her matches.

     

    Elsewhere in the competition, Andrea Lois Lao narrowly missed out on a podium finish after losing her bronze medal match to Thailand’s Orapa Senatham, 3–0. The Philippine campaign also saw early exits for Myron Mangubat, Maria Ysabel Laureta, and Santino Luis Luzuriaga, who were all eliminated in the opening round of their respective divisions.

     

    Despite mixed results across the roster, Enriquez’s breakthrough gold and Napolis’ podium finish underscored the Philippines’ growing strength in jiu-jitsu, offering an encouraging start to the nation’s Asian Beach Games campaign and reinforcing expectations ahead of future international competitions.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.