Obiena expected to deliver gold for PH in Asian Games

Pole vault ace Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena is expected to deliver a gold medal for the Philippines in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China slated from September 23 to October 8.

EJ Obiena AFP PHOTO 

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino said he has high hopes that Obiena will unleash a gold medal performance especially after his silver medal finish in the World Athletics Championships last month.

“I can assure that our pole vaulter EJ Obiena can win a gold medal,” said Tolentino in an interview in PTV’s Laging Handa Public Briefing on Tuesday, September 5.

“No Asian has beaten him and the close to him record wise. He’s the number one pole vaulter in Asia so he’s assured to win a gold medal. It’s a shame that gymnast Carlos Yulo won’t compete, it would have been two golds already.”

Obiena, indeed, got himself a silver medal in the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary last month as he matched his personal best and Asian record clearance of 6.0m.

The pride of Tondo finished last in Diamond League’s Zurich leg on September 1, ending his 11 straight podium finishes that also includes the Asian Athletics Championships tournament.

Obiena, though, recovered on September 4 in Istaf Berlin where he surpassed 5.92 meters to clinch the gold medal.

Outside Obiena, Tolentino said that Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the lone Filipino Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian Games gold medalist as well as the Philippine boxing and gymnast teams are expected to win gold or pull off a surprise this Asiad.

“Maybe someone from our gymnastics team can make up for Caloy not competing in this Asian Games. There’s also our boxing team that is out to compete since this Asiad is a qualifier for the Paris Olympics. In weightlifting, there’s Hidilyn, Vanessa Sarno, and Elreen Ando,” shared Tolentino.

“Hopefully, our golf team can still deliver without Yuka Saso as well as our swimming team and tennis with Alex Eala, and our track and field team.”

The Philippines claimed four gold medals in the Asian Games in Indonesia back in 2018.