Lopez, four others strike wrestling gold in Vietnam tilt

Yani Alexii Lopez

MANILA, Philippines — Filipina Yani Alexii Lopez demonstrated anew her grappling prowess under the most challenging circumstances, powering the Philippine team to a second-place finish in the 2026 United World Wrestling (UWW) Asian & Oceania Grappling Championships in Danang, Vietnam recently.

The 16-year-old Lopez, who was forced to fight three divisions higher than her usual weight class, proved she can do it just the same.

“I am thrilled to bring another continental gold medal home to the Philippines!” the two-time Asian champion Lopez said in a Facebook post.

In Danang, Lopez fought in the 57kg class, three divisions higher than the 44kg division where she used to fight in.

But she did not disappoint when she defeated Alison Mae Nicolson of Malaysia in the women’s 57 kgs final, 2-1, to capture the gold medal.

Earlier, Lopez beat Malaysian Liyanne Hedger, 1-0, in the semifinal round.

“Jumping up three divisions from 44kg to 57kg was an unexpected challenge, and I am blessed to take the top spot on the podium,” added Lopez, giving thanks her family, her parents, and whose who in the organization.

“Thank you to God for keeping me safe and for all His blessings. Thank you to my family, especially my parents — for your unwavering support. Thank you to Chief Alvin Aguilar for your trust, for giving me the courage to compete three weight classes higher than mine, and for coaching me,” she stated.

Lopez also thanked Prof. Maybelline Masuda, Prof. Michael Sayson Tabamo and coach Bill Sullivan for their training and guidance.

She likewise acknowledged wrestling coaches Melchor Tumasis and Emily Buyco for managing the Team Philippines in the three-day event that featured a diverse lineup of athletes from across the region.

Lopez is actually one of the five gold winners in Danang, the four others Charlie Ratcliff (56 kg), Travis Ratcliff (62kg), Abe Del Rosario (57kg) and Denzel Alipio (62kg).

Team Philippines also copped two silvers (Lucas Aguilar, 66kg, and Nathaniel Nama, 63kg), and the three bronze medals (Alo Turingan, 73kg; Lucian Salud, 76kg; and Joaquin Marte, 66kg), enough to propel itself to second overall in the standings.

Kazakhstan copped the most medals with 17 golds, 10 silvers and five bronzes.