2023 Asian Games Results : Key Takeaways

A Spectacular Showcase of Athletic Excellence

After a moratorium since 2018, the 19th Asian Games finally took place from September 23 to October 8, 2023, in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, showcasing spectacular, unparalleled athleticism across the continent.

With a rich history dating back to 1951, the Asian Games have become one of the most prominent sporting events on the international stage.

Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia since 1982, the Asian Games has evolved since 2010 to host the Asian Para Games, ensuring inclusivity for athletes with disabilities.

Four hundred eighty-one (481) events were held to contest in the 2023 Asian Games in nine competitive sports: archery, artistic swimming, boxing, breaking, hockey, modern pentathlon, sailing, tennis, and water polo, which also served as qualifiers in the Olympics to be held in Paris, France in 2024.

Held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center in China, the 2023 Asian Games commenced in grand fashion with a mesmerizing opening ceremony titled “Harmony of Water and Fire,” captivating the global audience with its visuals and performances.

Embodying the theme of balance and unity, the opening incorporated themes of traditional Chinese culture with modern technology, such as the ancient Silk Road, Chinese opera, and a dazzling display of choreographed drones that illuminated the evening sky.

The Triumph and Glory of the Philippines at the 2023 Asian Games

The Philippines’ performance at the 2023 Asian Games was a source of immense national pride. Nearly 400 athletes competed from the Philippines, including EJ Obiena, who won the gold for the country in men’s pole vault, and Margarita Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, who also won gold medals in women’s jiu-jitsu.

Gilas Pilipinas won the Philippines’ final golden medal in the 2023 Asian Games, grabbing the men’s basketball crown since its previous win in 1962.

In summary, the Philippines won four gold, two silver, and 12 bronze medals, rising to the 17th in the overall medal tally: 

On October 25, 2023, the Office of the President (OP) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) hosted a grand welcome and awarding ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum to honor the Filipino medalists of the 2023 Asian Games.

The event, titled “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino,” aimed to celebrate the athletes’ triumphs and commend their efforts. The ceremony was an opportunity to recognize these modern-day heroes who brought pride, honor, and joy to their fellow Filipinos.

Each medalist received cash incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), totaling PHP 41.9 million. 

Each of the three individual Filipino gold medalists, namely EJ Obiena, Margarita Ochoa, and Annie Ramirez, received a cash bonus of PHP 4 million for their achievements at the 2023 Asian Games.

Additionally, the players of Gilas Pilipinas were also generously rewarded with PHP 1 million each for their victory in the men’s basketball competition.

Eumir Marcial, the silver medalist boxer, and Arnel Mandal, the silver medalist wushu fighter, received a cash bonus of PHP 2 million each for their achievements at the 2023 Asian Games.

Meanwhile, the tennis bronze medalist, Alex Eala, received PHP 800,000 for her success in the singles event and PHP 400,000 for her mixed doubles victory.

Other bronze medal winners who received a cash bonus of PHP 800,000 were taekwondo’s Patrick King Perez, wushu’s Jones Inso, Gideon Padua, and Clemente Tabugara Jr., tennis’ Francis Alcantara, cycling’s Patrick Coo, weightlifting’s Elreen Ando, jiu-jitsu’s Kaila Napolis, karate’s Sakura Alforte, and the men’s sepak takraw team.

Here is the Philippines’ overall medal tally:

Sep 24, Sunday Bronze

Patrick King Perez

Taekwondo

Men’s individual poomsae

Sep 25, Monday Bronze

Jones Llabres Inso

Wushu

Men’s taijiquan/taijiquan all-around

Sep 27, Wed Bronze

Gideon Fred Padua

Wushu

Men’s 60kg

Sep 27, Wed Bronze

Clemente Tabugara Jr.

Wushu

Men’s 65kg

Sep 28, Thur Silver

Arnel Mandal

Wushu

Men’s 56kg

Sep 28, Thur Bronze

Alexandra Eala

Tennis

Women’s singles

Sept 29, Friday Bronze

Alexandra Eala, Francis Casey Alanctara

Tennis

Mixed doubles

Sep 30, Saturday Gold

Ernest John Obiena

Athletics

Men’s pole vault

Oct 1, Sunday Bronze

Patrick Bren Coo

Cycling BMX racing

Men’s

Oct 2, Monday Bronze

Elreen Ann Ando

Weightlifting

Women’s 64kg

Oct 3, Tuesday Bronze

Rheyjey Ortouste, Jason Huerte, Vince Torno, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Ronsited Gabayeron, Jom Lerry Rafael

Sepak takraw

Men’s quadrant

Oct 5, Thursday Gold

Margarita Ochoa

Ju-jitsu

Women’s 48kg

Oct 5, Thursday Bronze

Sakura Alforte

Karate

Women’s individual kata

Oct 5, Thursday Silver

Eumir Felix Marcial

Boxing

Men’s 80kg

October 6, Friday Gold

Annie Ramirez

Ju-jitsu

Women’s 57kg

October 6, Friday Bronze

Jenna Kaila Napolis

Ju-jitsu

Women’s 52kg

October 6, Friday Bronze

Rheyjey Ortouste, Jason Huerte, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Ronsited Gabayeron, Jom Lerry Rafael

Sepak takraw

Men’s regu

October 6, Friday Gold

Men’s team

Basketball

Men’s category

Concluding the Landmark Event of Athletic Prowess

China emerged as the champions of the 2023 Asian Games with 383 medals, including 201 golds, 111 silvers, and 71 bronzes besting all other participating countries.

Japan secured the second spot with 52 golds, 67 silvers, and 69 bronzes, while South Korea finished third with 42 golds, 59 silvers, and 89 bronzes.

The 2023 Asian Games concluded with a symbolic handover to the 2026 hosts, Nagoya, Japan, but the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and unity resonated.

The “Harmony in Diversity” theme celebrated the cultural diversity of Asia and the unity of its people through the power of sport.

The closing ceremony showcased the Japanese city’s commitment to organizing an unforgettable event that celebrated the remarkable spirit of the Asian Games.

The ceremony featured vibrant performances, traditional dances, and a stunning fireworks display. As the Asian Games flame was extinguished, athletes from all over Asia rejoiced in their achievements and the bonds they had formed during the event.

The 2023 Asian Games will be remembered as a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community among nations across the continent.

These games have set a high bar for future Asian Games, promising even more exciting and memorable moments in the years to come.

References:

Asian Games 2023 (final medal complete list) – https://olympics.com/en/news/asian-games-2023-overall-medal-table-complete-list

Asian Games 2023 (Philippines’ final medal list) – https://olympics.com/en/news/asian-games-2023-philippines-medal-winners-full-list

Rappler article on 2023 Asian Games conclusion for PH – https://www.rappler.com/sports/results-philippines-ranking-asian-games-2023/

PCOO news release on PH Ceremony for 2023 AG winners – https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/asian-games-2023-medalists-to-receive-presidential-citation-and-cash-incentives/

Rappler article on incentives for 2023 AG winners – https://www.rappler.com/sports/marcos-doubles-asian-games-cash-bonus-gilas-pilipinas-players-million-each-2023/