MANILA – Philippines’ strong showing in wrestling at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Chonburi, Thailand has bolstered optimism for the sport’s long-term growth in the country, highlighted by Gabriel Thomas Dinette’s gold medal and a deep pool of emerging talent.
Dinette claimed the men’s freestyle 86-kilogram gold after defeating Vietnam’s Van Truong Vu Tran via walkover in the final due to injury at the Pacific Hall inside Pacific Park Si Racha. His title run capped the final day of wrestling competition and underscored the Philippines’ improving competitiveness on the regional stage.
The Filipino grappler dominated his earlier matches with technical superiority, posting identical 4-0 victories over Thailand’s Chiranuwat Chamnanjan and Singapore’s Weng Luen Gary Chow.
“I thank God for the strength and all who have supported me in this journey,” Dinette said following his triumph.
Beyond Dinette’s gold, the Philippine wrestling team collected a total of nine medals — four silvers and four bronzes — reflecting growing depth across multiple weight divisions and styles.
Silver medals were won by Hayden Ancheta (men’s freestyle 57 kg), Ronil Tubog (men’s freestyle 65 kg), Aliah Rose Gavalez (women’s wrestling 50 kg), and Ax Arian Geralin Carpio (women’s wrestling 62 kg).
Bronze medals were secured by Rea Grace Cervantes (women’s wrestling 53 kg), Jason Baucas (men’s Greco-Roman 77 kg), Andre Dragani (men’s freestyle 74 kg), and Callum Roberts (men’s Greco-Roman 97 kg).
In total, nine Filipino wrestlers reached the podium, signaling a strengthening rivalry with Vietnam and a promising trajectory for Philippine wrestling as it prepares for future international competitions.
Wrestling Association of the Philippines president Alvin Aguilar said the results reflect both progress and potential.
“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,” he added.
Vietnam emerged as the tournament’s dominant force, capturing 10 of the 12 gold medals on offer, along with one silver and one bronze, but Philippine officials remain encouraged by the steady rise of Filipino wrestlers as the program looks ahead to global competitions./PN
