PH curlers spark Olympic hopes
Philippines’ team members react after winning the men’s gold medal game between Philippines and South Korea during the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang province on February 14, 2025. (Photo by Jade Gao / AFP)
The Philippine men’s curling team, fresh off its groundbreaking victory at the 9th Asian Winter Games, has opened doors for fellow Filipino winter athletes to secure much-needed financial support.
“We are committed to expanding support for winter sports with grassroots programs to sustain this achievement,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chair Richard Bachmann.
Led by Filipino-Swiss skip Marc Pfister, the men’s team—featuring his brother Enrico Pfister, Christian Haller, Alan Frei, and alternate Benjo Delarmente—claimed the country’s first-ever gold medal in winter sports at the Games in Harbin, China. They stunned world No. 7 South Korea in the final after toppling No. 17 China in the semis.
Recognizing their feat, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) rewarded each player with $5,000 before they returned to Switzerland.
“This may not match their dedication or cover their personal expenses, but it’s our way of showing gratitude,” said POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
