Marcos congratulates EJ Obiena for PH 1st gold medal

Asian Games – Hangzhou 2022 – Athletics – Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou, China – September 30, 2023 Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena celebrates with the Philippines flag after winning the Men’s Pole Vault Final REUTERS/Jeremy Lee

President Marcos has extended his congratulations to pole vaulter EJ Obiena for bagging the first gold medal of the Philippines, and to all other athletes who made remarkable performances, in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

“Congratulations, EJ, on clinching our first gold medal in men’s pole vault at the 19th Asian Games!” Mr. Marcos posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday night.

Obiena, 27, was the only athlete to clear the 5.75-meter mark on his second attempt.

With his successful finish, Obiena also set a new record, breaking the old 5.70-meter mark set by Yamamoto Seito of Japan in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The President also congratulated taekwondo player Patrick King Perez for winning bronze, and wushu artists Jones Inso, Gideon Padua and Clemente Tabugara Jr. who also each won a bronze medal.

Mr. Marcos also congratulated tennis player Alex Eala for winning bronze in the women’s singles and her partner, Francis Casey Alcantara, after they also bagged bronze in the mixed doubles.

“Best of luck to all our athletes competing ahead!” he said.

—Jerome Aning INQ