Jiu-jitsu fighter Meggie Ochoa wins PH's 2nd gold in Asian Games
Jiu-jitsu fighter Meggie Ochoa has won the Philippines its second gold in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The 33-year-old athlete scored the medal after championing the -48 kilogram division of women's jiu-jitsu on Thursday, Oct. 5.
She competed against United Arab Emirates Balqees Abdulla in a bout that started strong. The Pinay athlete later dominated the match with a mount that Abdulla could not get out of.
Abdulla attempted to take control of Ochoa with a triangle choke but failed, leading to Ochoa's gold finish.
Ochoa previously defeated Odgerel Batbayar of Mongolia, Nazgul Rakhayeva of Kazakhstan, and Pechrada Tan of Thailand during the semifinals.
𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇!
— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) October 5, 2023
Congratulations, Meggie!
Jiu-jitsu fighter Margarita Ochoa pulled a magnificent comeback from her last appearance at the Asiad, bagging the 2nd gold medal of the country at the Women's -48kg at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China! pic.twitter.com/6dYdZi0fn9
In a press conference following her latest feat, the three-time world champion said that her journey in this year's Asian Games did not have a solid start.
"It was really overwhelming. A lot happened on my way here [to the gold medal win.] Until yesterday, I had the flu. So, I thought I would not be able to fight. I had to drink a lot of medicine,” Ochoa said. "Then, in the semifinals, I pulled my hip. It hurt."
She was, however, able to press on with her determination to compete for her country and her faith.
The gold medalist continued, “I just told myself I will give it my all. Even if I could not walk anymore, I will give everything."
“This is different, the Asian Games. It is very important for the country," she added. "And, it is a big deal that I was able to do it for the Lord, because He humbled me by allowing me to experience adversity so I will depend on Him."
The Philippines is currently the 21st among the 45 countries competing in the 19th Asian Games. It now has two gold medals in the Asian Games, with the first one won by pole vault star EJ Obiena.
Adding to the country's current medal tally is 1 silver in Men's Wushu and 9 bronze medals in Men's Taekwondo, Men's Wushu, Women's and Mixed Tennis, Men's BMX Racing, Women's Weightlifting, and Men's Sepak Takrwa.
The games are set to conclude on Oct. 8.