Asian Games: Jiu-jitsu adds silver as PH posts best performance since 1962

Jiu-jitsu’s Alexandria Enriquez secured the Philippines’ ninth silver medal in the 2026 Asian Games on Saturday as the country posted its best performance in the Asian Games since 1962, according to the Philippine Sports Commission.

Enriquez settled for silver as Thailand’s Orapa Senatham won by advantage in the gold medal match.

The Philippines now has a total of four golds, nine silvers, and 16 bronzes for a total of 29 medals, its best output since the 1962 Asiad in Jakarta, when it had seven golds, six silvers, and 24 bronzes.

The medal count also equaled the Philippines’ four-gold output from the 2018 and 2022 editions.

“This is the best performance of the Philippines in 64 years. And when we say 64 years, the last time was in 1962 in Jakarta. So ito po ’yung pinakamaraming medalya in 64 years,” PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio said.

In 1966, the Philippines had 32 medals but only two gold medals, along with 15 silvers and 25 bronzes.

This year, Carlos Yulo won two gold medals, while EJ Obiena added one in pole vault.

The closing ceremony of the Asiad will be held on Sunday.

—JKC, GMA News