Press Release - Senate celebrates Team Philippines' glorious run at the 19th Asian Games as Bong Go underscores continuing commitment to sports dev't

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, the chairperson of the Committee on Sports, hailed the laudable achievements of the Philippine team at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8 last year.

During his co-sponsorship speech on Wednesday, March 13, on Senate Resolution No. 825 commending and congratulating the members of the Philippine Team for their performance, Go, who personally attended the games to support the athletes, shared the nation's collective pride in the Filipino competitors.

"As Chairman of the Committee on Sports, I stand before you with immense pride as we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our Filipino athletes in the 19th Asian Games," said Go.

"Filipino athletes have once again showcased their exceptional talents and unwavering determination as they competed with great determination, pushing their limits and displaying true sportsmanship throughout the Games," he added.

The Philippine delegation concluded the games with an impressive haul of 18 medals: four golds, two silvers, and twelve bronzes.

Among the notable victories was the historic win of the national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, who clinched the country's first men's basketball gold medal since 1962, triumphing over host China and Jordan in the knockout stages.

"Our national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, captured the country's first men's basketball gold medal since 1962. Ibig sabihin po ay after 61 years, nanalo tayo ng gold muli sa Asian Games. This achievement was marked by their stunning victory over host China in the semifinals, followed by an impressive triumph against Jordan in the finals," Go said.

Go also celebrated the achievements of Ernest John Obiena, who won the first gold for the Philippines in the pole vault, setting a new Asian Games record of 5.90 meters.

"He emerged as the sole athlete to clear the 5.75-meter mark, thereby earning the gold medal and establishing a new Asian Games record of 5.90 meters," Go remarked.

The prowess of Margarita 'Meggie' Ochoa and Annie Ramirez in Jiu-Jitsu was equally commendable, each securing a gold medal in their respective weight categories.

"Their win has not only brought honor and