Jiu-jitsu's Kaila Napolis wins first gold medal for PH in SEA Games; men's duo, women's show get bronze

The Philippines already copped its first gold medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Thursday, a day before the biennial meet's formal opening ceremony in Cambodia on Friday night.

Kaila Napolis won the country's first gold medal after taking down hometown bet Jessica Khan in the women's ne-waza nogi 52kg event.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino congratulated Napolis for the feat.

"One big congratulations for one of our female athletes breaking the ice for Team Philippines in these SEA Games," Tolentino said in a statement.

The country also got two bronze medals from jiu-jitsu from Jan Harvey Navarro and Karl Dale Navarro (men's duo) and Isabela Montaña and Dianne Bargo (women's show).

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann said the first medals reflect the hard work of the athletes.

"I had the privilege of being in the medal ceremony for our first gold medal winner, Kaila. Congratulations once again," Bachmann said.

"I also want to congratulate Harvey and Karl for bringing in the first medal of Team Philippines. It is such a thrill to start counting medals and see how the hard work of our athletes are translating into these victories. Job well done!"

Obstacle race athletes are also expected to deliver gold medals as they set new records in the qualifying heats.

The SEA Games will run until May 17 in Phnom Penh.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA Integrated News