Manila: Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution commending the 141-member Philippine delegation for their impressive performance at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2025 held in Bahrain. The team achieved the country's largest medal haul and best-ever performance in this continental sports event.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine team secured 12th place overall with a total of 24 medals, comprising seven gold, seven silver, and ten bronze. Estrada expressed his pride, stating, "This is a proud moment for Philippine sports. Our young athletes have proven that with discipline, dedication, and heart, they can stand tall among the best in Asia. Their victory in Bahrain is a shining testament to the strength of our youth and the bright future of Philippine sports," after filing Senate Resolution No. 167.
The country's athletes participated in 18 sports disciplines, including volleyball, athletics, boxing, swimming, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, weightlifting, and teqball, emerging as the second-best in Southeast Asia, following Thailand. Estrada highlighted that this record-breaking achievement surpassed the Philippines' previous performances at the 2013 AYG in Nanjing, China, and the 2009 inaugural games in Singapore, where the country earned five and two medals, respectively.
The gold medalists for the Philippines included Kram Airam Carpio in Girls' Pencak Silat, Pi Durden Wangkay in Boys' 200-meter Athletics, Charlie Ratcliff in Girls' Modern Mixed Martial Arts, Zeth Gabriel Bueno and Lyre Anie Ngina in Wai Kru events, Jan Brix Ramiscal and Tyron Jamborillo in Mixed Team Mai Muay, and Isabella Joseline Butler in Girls' Jiu-Jitsu.
Silver medals were awarded to athletes like Naomi Cesar in Girls' 800-meter Athletics, Travis Ratcliff in Boys' Traditional Mixed Martial Arts, Jan Brix Ramiscal and Jasmine Dagame in Wai Kru events, Jamesray Ajido in Boys' Swimming, Kristen Ambriel Aguila in Girls' Taekwondo, and Jhodie Peralta in Girls' Weightlifting.
Bronze medalists included Alexander Tagure Jr. in Boys' Modern Mixed Martial Arts, Iyeshia Blair Bituin in Girls' Combat Discipline, Aeden Roffer Cere±o in Boys' Taekwondo, Crystal Cari±o and Nicole Tabucol in Girls' Teqball, Jay-r Colonia and Alexsandra Ann Diaz in Weightlifting, Princess Jay Ann Diaz in Girls' Weightlifting, Jhodie Peralta in Girls' Weightlifting, Leo Mhar Lobrido in Boys' Boxing, and Mara-Alexandria Sarinas in Girls' Jiu-Jitsu.
Estrada emphasized the importance of these young athletes, stating, "These young champions represent the next generation of Filipino Olympians and sports heroes. Their success is proof that investing in youth sports and grassroots development yields world-class results." He also acknowledged the vital role played by coaches, trainers, medical staff, and sports officials in guiding and supporting the athletes.
Estrada called on both public and private sectors to continue supporting youth development programs and sports excellence initiatives, stating that the athletes' triumph "heralds a bright future for Philippine sports." He concluded by highlighting the athletes' story as one of hope, resilience, and national pride, a testament to the world-class spirit of the Filipino youth.
The AYG is organized every four years by the Olympic Council of Asia for athletes aged 14 to 17 and is recognized as the second-largest continental competition after the Asian Games. This year's edition saw participation from over 8,000 athletes and officials from 45 nations competing in 26 sports disciplines.
