Team Philippines had a remarkable day at the Asian Championships held at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as Jovan Medallo and Hergie Bacyadan delivered standout performances, leading to a three-gold haul and four additional bronze medals.
Creative specialist Jovan Medallo shone in the men’s forms division, clinching two gold medals. He triumphed in both the Men’s Musical Forms with Weapon and Without Weapon categories. Medallo also added a bronze to his collection, finishing third in the Men’s Creative Form with Weapon.
In the women’s forms, Janah Labador showcased her versatility by bagging three bronze medals. Her podium finishes came in the categories of Musical Forms with Weapon, Musical Forms without Weapon, and Creative Forms with Weapon, solidifying her reputation as a top contender.
In the combat division, 2024 Paris boxing Olympian Hergie Bacyadan secured gold in the Women’s K1 -70kgs, in a rather unusual fashion.
Bacyadan was set to face China’s Hu Weng Tei, but her intimidating presence on the ring seemed too much for her opponent. Just five seconds after the introduction, Hu Weng Tei’s corner conceded, handing the gold to Bacyadan without a fight.
Bacyadan’s path to the finals was so decisive, as she dominated Cambodia’s Samnang Raksa in the semifinal, delivering a knockout victory in under a minute in the Women’s K1 -70kgs division.
Bacyadan’s strong background as a national athlete in wushu and vovinam added to her formidable reputation.
Aside from the medals already secured, six Filipino kickboxers have earned bronze finishes, with three more athletes vying for gold in the coming days.
Honorio Banario, Carlo Von Bumina-ang, and Ginia Iniong are all set to compete for the top prize on Sunday, further raising the hopes for the Philippines’ medal.
