Philippines gets first 2026 Asian Games medal as Women's Soft Tennis Team takes bronze

The Philippine women’s soft tennis team officially secured the bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games after ending its campaign with a 2-0 loss to host Japan on Sunday.

In the first match, Princess Catindig and Noelle Mañalac fell to Japan’s Rena Temma and Kiho Miyamae, 4-0, 4-1, 4-2, 4-0, 4-1.

Christy Sanosa then lost to Ayaka Iwakura, 4-0, 4-1, 4-2, 4-2, as Japan completed the 2-0 victory.

Despite the semifinal loss, the Philippine women’s soft tennis team had previously described its medal finish as a major victory, ending the country’s medal drought in the sport.

The Philippines opened the group stage with wins over Mongolia, 3-0, and Thailand, 2-1, before ending the preliminary round with a 3-0 loss to Chinese Taipei.

Shyryn Salazar and Hilary Paas are also part of the Philippine team.

Japan, meanwhile, advances to the finals.

—JKC, GMA News