Hong kong: The Philippines emerged as Southeast Asia's top-performing country at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships, which concluded Sunday in Hong Kong. Ana Bhianca Espenilla and Jerico Cadag were instrumental in securing the country's 13th-place finish, ahead of regional competitors in this premier Asian track event.

According to Philippines News Agency, Espenilla, aged 19, delivered a personal best performance in the javelin throw, achieving a distance of 52.20 meters in her final attempt, earning her a silver medal. This marked the most significant achievement in her budding career, as she placed second among 13 competitors. "These under-20 athletes across Asia have become faster and stronger, and the field is tougher than ever,'' remarked Terry Capistrano, president of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), in a news release on Monday.

Cadag, 18, clinched a bronze medal in the men's 3000m steeplechase final, clocking in at 9:35.10. He finished behind India's Nikhil Chandrashekar, who recorded a time of 9:25.44, and Japan's Yuu Kato, who finished at 9:27.30. While Thailand finished 14th overall with a lone silver, China dominated the tournament, securing 14 gold, 9 silver, and 2 bronze medals, followed by India with 10 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze medals.

Capistrano highlighted the significance of the championships, stating, "These championships are a true showcase of the continent's finest young talents. What we are witnessing here is nothing less than the future of Asian athletics.'' Looking ahead, Espenilla will be joining Jeralyn Rodriguez (400m), Naomi Cesar (800m), and Ivan Cabanda (400m hurdles) at the World U20 Athletics Championships in Oregon from August 5-9. Rodriguez, 19, qualified for the event following her performance of 54.83 in the women's 400m over the weekend.

The remaining members of Team Philippines, coached by Roselyn Hamero and Jonah Genilza, included Sep Placido (women's 5000m race walk), Jecel Vivas (women's 400m and 100m hurdles), Pi Wangkay (men's 100m), and Alfred Talplacido (men's 400m).