The Philippine wrestling team delivered a performance that signals a promising future for the sport, securing a total of nine medals at the recently concluded 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Chonburi, Thailand.
Spearheading the campaign was Filipino wrestler Gabriel Thomas Dinette, who captured the nation’s lone gold medal.
Dinette, competing in the 86-kilogram Men’s Freestyle event, claimed the top prize on the final day of competition at the Pacific Hall in Si Racha.
He was awarded the gold after his final round opponent, Van Truong Vu Tran of Vietnam, conceded due to injury, resulting in a walkover.
Throughout the tournament, Dinette showcased impressive technical superiority, winning his earlier matches against Thai Chiranuwat Chamnanjan and Singapore’s Weng Luen Gary Chow with identical 4-0 scores.
“I thank God for the strength and all who have supported me in this journey,” said Dinette.
In addition to Dinette’s gold, the Philippine contingent added four silver and four bronze medals, totaling nine out of 11 entries—a notable achievement, as nine of the team members were first-time participants.
The silver medalists were Hayden Ancheta (Freestyle-Seniors-57 kg); Ronil Tubog (Freestyle- Seniors-65 kg); Aliah Rose Gavalez (Women’s wrestling-Seniors-50 kg); and Ax Arian Geralin Carpio (Women’s wrestling-Seniors-62 kg); while the bronze medalists were Rea Grace Cervantes (Women’s wrestling-Seniors-53 kg); Jason Baucas (Greco-Roman-Seniors-77 kg)
Andre Dragani (Freestyle-Seniors-74 kg); and Callum Roberts (Greco-Roman-Seniors-97 kg)
While the Vietnamese team demonstrated regional dominance by winning 10 of the 12 gold medals at stake (along with one silver and one bronze), the Philippines’ performance provides a strong foundation for the future.
WAP President Alvin Aguilar expressed pride in the athletes’ performance.
“We won nine medals, with one gold, and that is something to cheer about,” Aguilar said. “I am beyond proud of our young athletes’ incredible performance at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. With 11 entries, including nine first-timers, they brought home a total of nine medals: one gold, four silvers, and four Bronzes. It makes us to strive for more to be able to win as many medals as possible in the future. Proud moment for the Philippine wrestling team.”
