LOOK: PH athletes at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games
Double medalist taekwondo jin Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape led the Philippine contingent, serving as the flag bearer during the closing ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya City, Japan.
On Sunday, Oct. 4, the 20th Asian Games concluded in a ceremony attended by Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko along with athlete representatives from 45 nations.
The ceremony began with the colorful athletes' parade, with double gold medalist Carlos Yulo and bronze medalist Alex Eala notably missing. However, boxing silver medalist Carlo Paalam and pole vault gold medalist EJ Obiena were seen among the other athletes of Team Philippines.
Take a look at some of the best of the best Filipino athletes enjoying the closing ceremonies.
Double medalist Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape is the flag bearer of the Philippines at the closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games. Photo from POC - Philippine Olympic Committee - Olympic.PH / Facebook
Team Philippines, with silver medalist Carlo Paalam front and center. Photo from POC - Philippine Olympic Committee - Olympic.PH / Facebook
Filipino athletes with gold medalist EJ Obiena. Screenshot from One Sports / YouTube
National taekwondo jins with Carlo Paalam. Screenshot from One Sports / YouTube
Double medalist Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape is the flag bearer of the Philippines at the closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games. Photo from POC - Philippine Olympic Committee - Olympic.PH / Facebook
Team Philippines, with silver medalist Carlo Paalam front and center. Photo from POC - Philippine Olympic Committee - Olympic.PH / Facebook
Filipino athletes with gold medalist EJ Obiena. Screenshot from One Sports / YouTube
National taekwondo jins with Carlo Paalam. Screenshot from One Sports / YouTube
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The Philippines sent a total of 446 athletes to compete across 38 sports, and ended its 20th Asian Games run with 29 medals—four gold, eight silver, and 16 bronze. It was the biggest medal haul the country had won since the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok, where Filipino national athletes picked up 42 medals.
"We're very happy we won so many medals in so many sports. In China (2023 Hangzhou Asian Games), we won in 11 sports. 'Yan po ang malalaking pagbabago, at 'yan po ang importante sa ating development ng Philippine sports sa ating grassroots program," Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio said on Oct. 3.
Leading the count were Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who again won two golds in artistic gymnastics. World-class pole vaulter EJ Obiena defended his Asian Games crown by bringing home the country's third gold in the men's pole vault final while setting a new record at 5.91 meters. Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape brought the country's fourth gold, dominating in the inaugural mixed individual virtual taekwondo segment.
The gold medal haul matched Team Philippines' gold count at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where the country earned 18 medals with an overall rank of 17. At this year's Asian Games, the Philippines went up to the 16th overall spot.
The next Asiad will be held in Doha, Qatar in 2030.
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