Taekwondo gold medalist Jeus Yape named PH flag bearer for Asian Games closing ceremony

Taekwondo’s Jeus Yape was named the flag bearer of Team Philippines for the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games on Sunday.

Yape has won two medals at the Asiad — a gold in mixed virtual taekwondo and a bronze in individual poomsae.

“He’s deserving of that honor,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino.

“It will be a recognition not only for Jeus, but also for taekwondo, which finally won its first Asian Games gold medal since 1994, when the sport became a medal event at the Games.”

Aside from Yape’s medals, Philippine taekwondo’s Kurt Barbosa, Tachiana Mangin, and Juliana Candelaria also won silver medals.

As of writing, the Philippines has four golds, eight silvers, and 16 bronzes for a total of 28 medals.

—JKC, GMA News