A Spectacular Showcase of Athletic Excellence
After a moratorium since 2018, the 19th Asian Games finally took place from September 23 to October 8, 2023, in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, showcasing spectacular, unparalleled athleticism across the continent.
With a rich history dating back to 1951, the Asian Games have become one of the most prominent sporting events on the international stage.
Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia since 1982, the Asian Games has evolved since 2010 to host the Asian Para Games, ensuring inclusivity for athletes with disabilities.
Four hundred eighty-one (481) events were held to contest in the 2023 Asian Games in nine competitive sports: archery, artistic swimming, boxing, breaking, hockey, modern pentathlon, sailing, tennis, and water polo, which also served as qualifiers in the Olympics to be held in Paris, France in 2024.
Held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center in China, the 2023 Asian Games commenced in grand fashion with a mesmerizing opening ceremony titled “Harmony of Water and Fire,” captivating the global audience with its visuals and performances.
Embodying the theme of balance and unity, the opening incorporated themes of traditional Chinese culture with modern technology, such as the ancient Silk Road, Chinese opera, and a dazzling display of choreographed drones that illuminated the evening sky.
The Triumph and Glory of the Philippines at the 2023 Asian Games
The Philippines’ performance at the 2023 Asian Games was a source of immense national pride. Nearly 400 athletes competed from the Philippines, including EJ Obiena, who won the gold for the country in men’s pole vault, and Margarita Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, who also won gold medals in women’s jiu-jitsu.
Gilas Pilipinas won the Philippines’ final golden medal in the 2023 Asian Games, grabbing the men’s basketball crown since its previous win in 1962.
In summary, the Philippines won four gold, two silver, and 12 bronze medals, rising to the 17th in the overall medal tally:
On October 25, 2023, the Office of the President (OP) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) hosted a grand welcome and awarding ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum to honor the Filipino medalists of the 2023 Asian Games.
The event, titled “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino,” aimed to celebrate the athletes’ triumphs and commend their efforts. The ceremony was an opportunity to recognize these modern-day heroes who brought pride, honor, and joy to their fellow Filipinos.
Each medalist received cash incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), totaling PHP 41.9 million.
Each of the three individual Filipino gold medalists, namely EJ Obiena, Margarita Ochoa, and Annie Ramirez, received a cash bonus of PHP 4 million for their achievements at the 2023 Asian Games.
Additionally, the players of Gilas Pilipinas were also generously rewarded with PHP 1 million each for their victory in the men’s basketball competition.
Eumir Marcial, the silver medalist boxer, and Arnel Mandal, the silver medalist wushu fighter, received a cash bonus of PHP 2 million each for their achievements at the 2023 Asian Games.
Meanwhile, the tennis bronze medalist, Alex Eala, received PHP 800,000 for her success in the singles event and PHP 400,000 for her mixed doubles victory.
Other bronze medal winners who received a cash bonus of PHP 800,000 were taekwondo’s Patrick King Perez, wushu’s Jones Inso, Gideon Padua, and Clemente Tabugara Jr., tennis’ Francis Alcantara, cycling’s Patrick Coo, weightlifting’s Elreen Ando, jiu-jitsu’s Kaila Napolis, karate’s Sakura Alforte, and the men’s sepak takraw team.
Here is the Philippines’ overall medal tally:
Sep 24, Sunday Bronze
Patrick King Perez
Taekwondo
Men’s individual poomsae
Sep 25, Monday Bronze
Jones Llabres Inso
Wushu
Men’s taijiquan/taijiquan all-around
Sep 27, Wed Bronze
Gideon Fred Padua
Wushu
Men’s 60kg
Sep 27, Wed Bronze
Clemente Tabugara Jr.
Wushu
Men’s 65kg
Sep 28, Thur Silver
Arnel Mandal
Wushu
Men’s 56kg
Sep 28, Thur Bronze
Alexandra Eala
Tennis
Women’s singles
Sept 29, Friday Bronze
Alexandra Eala, Francis Casey Alanctara
Tennis
Mixed doubles
Sep 30, Saturday Gold
Ernest John Obiena
Athletics
Men’s pole vault
Oct 1, Sunday Bronze
Patrick Bren Coo
Cycling BMX racing
Men’s
Oct 2, Monday Bronze
Elreen Ann Ando
Weightlifting
Women’s 64kg
Oct 3, Tuesday Bronze
Rheyjey Ortouste, Jason Huerte, Vince Torno, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Ronsited Gabayeron, Jom Lerry Rafael
Sepak takraw
Men’s quadrant
Oct 5, Thursday Gold
Margarita Ochoa
Ju-jitsu
Women’s 48kg
Oct 5, Thursday Bronze
Sakura Alforte
Karate
Women’s individual kata
Oct 5, Thursday Silver
Eumir Felix Marcial
Boxing
Men’s 80kg
October 6, Friday Gold
Annie Ramirez
Ju-jitsu
Women’s 57kg
October 6, Friday Bronze
Jenna Kaila Napolis
Ju-jitsu
Women’s 52kg
October 6, Friday Bronze
Rheyjey Ortouste, Jason Huerte, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Ronsited Gabayeron, Jom Lerry Rafael
Sepak takraw
Men’s regu
October 6, Friday Gold
Men’s team
Basketball
Men’s category
Concluding the Landmark Event of Athletic Prowess
China emerged as the champions of the 2023 Asian Games with 383 medals, including 201 golds, 111 silvers, and 71 bronzes besting all other participating countries.
Japan secured the second spot with 52 golds, 67 silvers, and 69 bronzes, while South Korea finished third with 42 golds, 59 silvers, and 89 bronzes.
The 2023 Asian Games concluded with a symbolic handover to the 2026 hosts, Nagoya, Japan, but the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and unity resonated.
The “Harmony in Diversity” theme celebrated the cultural diversity of Asia and the unity of its people through the power of sport.
The closing ceremony showcased the Japanese city’s commitment to organizing an unforgettable event that celebrated the remarkable spirit of the Asian Games.
The ceremony featured vibrant performances, traditional dances, and a stunning fireworks display. As the Asian Games flame was extinguished, athletes from all over Asia rejoiced in their achievements and the bonds they had formed during the event.
The 2023 Asian Games will be remembered as a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community among nations across the continent.
These games have set a high bar for future Asian Games, promising even more exciting and memorable moments in the years to come.
References:
Asian Games 2023 (final medal complete list) – https://olympics.com/en/news/asian-games-2023-overall-medal-table-complete-list
Asian Games 2023 (Philippines’ final medal list) – https://olympics.com/en/news/asian-games-2023-philippines-medal-winners-full-list
Rappler article on 2023 Asian Games conclusion for PH – https://www.rappler.com/sports/results-philippines-ranking-asian-games-2023/
PCOO news release on PH Ceremony for 2023 AG winners – https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/asian-games-2023-medalists-to-receive-presidential-citation-and-cash-incentives/
Rappler article on incentives for 2023 AG winners – https://www.rappler.com/sports/marcos-doubles-asian-games-cash-bonus-gilas-pilipinas-players-million-each-2023/
Check out our House and Lot for Sale Properties
Discover our house and lot for sale properties in the Philippines
