Manama: Team Philippines bagged two silver and one bronze medals in the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain on Tuesday. Zamboanga City weightlifter Jhodie Peralta secured the girls’ 53kg silver (snatch) and bronze (clean and jerk) at the Exhibition World Bahrain Hall 3. She lifted 87kg, just one kilogram behind the eventual winner, Pak Hae Yon of North Korea. “Too bad, the North Korean still got one kilo. But it’s okay, whatever God gives, I’ll accept,” said the 16-year-old Peralta, reflecting on her performance after previously winning three gold medals at the World Youth Championships in Lima, Peru in May.
According to Philippines News Agency, other Filipino athletes also made notable contributions. Zamboangue±os Jay-r Colonia in the boys’ 56kg clean and jerk and Princess Jay Ann Diaz in the girls’ 44kg clean and jerk both claimed bronze medals on Monday. In boxing, Leo Mhar Lobrido settled for a silver medal following a unanimous-decision loss to Uzbekistan’s Abdugani Yorkinjonov in the boys’ 46kg class. “I’m hitting him, but the judge thinks differently. But it’s okay, maybe it’s not the right time yet. Maybe in the next games, I’ll win gold,” Lobrido expressed.
The recent achievements have elevated the Philippines’ medal tally to six golds, seven silvers, and eight bronzes, placing them ninth in the overall standings. China maintains a leading position with 48 golds, 35 silvers, and 18 bronzes, followed by Uzbekistan (19-5-17), Thailand (13-13-8), Kazakhstan (12-15-23), Iran (12-11-21), United Arab Emirates (8-6-5), Hong Kong (7-6-8), and Chinese Taipei (6-9-15). North Korea sits at No. 10 with six golds, four silvers, and one bronze.
The Philippines continues to compete in jiu-jitsu, wrestling, swimming, and cycling, with hopes to secure more gold medals. “We’re hoping we can win more gold medals,” said Philippine chef de mission Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
