Delos Santos claims bronze in Asian Games debut

Manila Times - Sep 26, 2026

YOUNG blood Albert Ian Delos Santos made a grand entrance in his Asian Games debut, setting new junior World and Asian records to capture the bronze medal in the men’s 70-kilogram weightlifting event at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Centre in Japan. As the youngest competitor in the nine-man field, the promising weightlifter lifted a total of 324 kg—154 kg in the snatch and 183 kg in the clean and jerk—to secure his spot on the podium. Serving as Team Philippines’ flag-bearer, Delos Santos eclipsed his previous junior mark of 321 kg (141 kg snatch, 180 kg clean and jerk), which he set at the Asian Youth & Junior Championships in August. While Delos Santos previously recorded a total lift of 326 kg in the 71 kg class at the IWF World Championships, the International Weightlifting Federation restructured its bodyweight categories in 2026, establishing 70 kg and 71 kg as separate divisions. Coming from a proud lineage of weightlifters—his late father Alvin was a former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and coach, and his mother Diwa was a former national lifter—an emotional Delos Santos held up a photo of his father following his victory. North Korea’s Won Ju Ri claimed the gold medal with...

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Sep 26, 2026

Underdog Alas faces tough South Korea

THE Alas Pilipinas men’s national volleyball team faces a steep uphill battle as it opens its 2026 Asian Games campaign against a formidable South Korean squad on Sunday at the Park Arena Komaki in Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The game is set at 12 noon (Manila time). Slated in Pool D alongside South Korea, China and Taiwan, Alas Pilipinas must secure at least two victories to finish among the top two in the pool and advance to the quarterfinals. Currently ranked 114th in the world, the underdog Philippine team will need Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni to work his tactical magic against higher-ranked opponents—South Korea (25th), China (34th), and Taiwan (55th). Nevertheless, Alas aims to defy the odds by drawing confidence from its historic FIVB World Championship victory over then-World No. 21 Egypt. To mount its campaign, the national squad has retained its full FIVB World Championship roster. Heavy hitters Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo lead the outside hitters alongside Buds Buddin and Jude Garcia, while Leo Ordiales and John Lirck Mendoza anchor the opposite position. Middle blockers Lloyd Josafat, Peng Taguibolos, and Joshua Magalaman, together with libero Josh Ybañez, round out the defensive and net efforts. Adding a crucial boost to the lineup, star playmaker Owa Retamar arrived in Japan following a long-haul flight from Poland, where his club team, Ordu, released him from training camp to answer the national call. Retamar expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent the country across the SEA Games, World Championship, and now the Asian Games, emphasizing that playing for the national team goes beyond contracts and obligations as the team unites to focus on supporting each other. “This goes beyond contracts or obligations. When the country calls, you play for something bigger than yourself. I’m grateful to Ordu for allowing me to represent the Philippines, and after the Asian Games, I will return with the same commitment to fulfill my responsibilities to the club,” Retamar said. The setter made sure to not waste any chance to represent the Philippines. “This is for the young Owa who had all of these on his bucket list—to play in the SEA Games, the World Championship, and now the Asian Games. Playing with the Philippine team will always be a mix of excitement and challenge. Let’s set aside the noise and focus on supporting each other and playing as one team.”