Hopes high for Philippine wrestling after fruitful SEA Games campaign

Gabriel Dinette

MANILA, Philippines — The future of Philippine wrestling shone bright during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

With nine first timers in a 11-man pool in the biennial event, the Philippines had nine medalists, headlined by the debuting 26-year-old Gabriel Dinette, who bagged the Philippines’ lone gold medal in the sport.

In a statement, Wrestling Association of the Philippines president Alvin Aguilar said that he is “beyond proud” of the athletes’ incredible performance at the SEA Games.

“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.”

The Philippines also won four silvers and four bronzes in the sport for a total of nine medals.

Aliah Rose Gavalez, Arian Geralin Carpio, Ronil Tubog and Hayden Ancheta snagged silvers, while Jacon Baucas, Callum Roberts, Rea Grace Cervantes and Michael Andre Dargani brought home bronze medals.

“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,” Aguilar added.

But the debuting Dinette stood the tallest with a gold medal in the 86 kilogram division.

“I thank God for the strength and all who have supported me in this journey.”

Vietnam won 10 of 12 gold medals at stake, including one silver and one bronze, establishing itself as a wrestling power in the region.