EJ Obiena wins Asian Games 2023 gold, first for PH

Filipino Olympian and pole vaulter EJ Obiena has won the Philippines' first gold in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Obiena reigned supreme in the pole vault finals as he alone cleared the 5.75 meter mark after two attempts.

He then cleared 5.90 meters in one attempt, further cementing his gold medal win. 

Obiena tried to clear 6.02 meters but failed to do so.

Prior to his gold-clinching jump, pole vault world no. 2 Obiena cleared 5.55 meters once.

Huang Bokai of China and Saudi Arabia's Hussain Asim Al Hizam finished second and third, respectively, at 5.65 meters.

Obiena's jump broke the Asian Games record which was previously held by Seito Yamamoto of Japan at 5.70 meters.

The Filipino pole vaulter currently holds the Asian record at 6.0 meters.

As of writing, the Philippines also has one silver medal and six bronze medals.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News