EJ Obiena wins gold as he rules 2023 Asian Athletics Championship

Filipino Olympian and pole vaulter EJ Obiena ruled the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships on Sunday in Bangkok, Thailand to win a gold medal.

Obiena defended his title after clearing 5.91 meters, which also became the new record in the said event.

Pole vault's world no. 3 tried to clear 6.02 meters in three attempts but failed to do so.

Saudi Arabia's Hussain Asim Alhizam finished second with 5.56 meters, while China's Huang Bokai placed third due to countback with 5.51 meters.

The Asian record holder also previously held the competition record at 5.71 meters back in 2019.

Obiena already punched his ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics early this month after meeting the 5.82 meter entry standard.

This is the country's second gold medal in this year's edition of the tournament after Robyn Brown reigned in the women's 400-meter hurdles on Saturday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News