Gilas Pilipinas members celebrate with their gold medals after defeating Jordan in their men’s basketball gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Saturday congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for securing the country’s first Asian Games gold medal in men’s basketball after 61 years.
The country’s last gold medal in the game was in 1962. Gilas Pilipinas won against Jordan by a score of 70-60 on Friday.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to every member of Gilas Pilipinas, their coaches, and the entire support staff who played an integral role in this exceptional achievement,” said Romualdez in a statement.
“You have made our country proud, and your victory will serve as an enduring inspiration for generations of Filipino athletes striving for excellence,” he added.
According to Romualdez, the victory is a testament of the national athletes’ unwavering spirit and dedication.
He said the athletes displayed “remarkable skill, teamwork, and resilience” in the journey, and that their hard work and determination resulted in the win, bringing honor and glory to the nation.