Philippine pole vaulter EJ Obiena successfully defended his gold medal in the men’s pole vault at the 20th Asian Games, clearing 5.91 meters to set a new Asian Games record and deliver the Philippines’ third gold medal in the 2026 Games.

Obiena surpassed his previous Asian Games record of 5.90 meters, which he set when he won the gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Competing at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, Obiena cleared 5.91 meters despite the rainy conditions to secure back-to-back Asian Games gold medals.

His latest mark also extended the Asian Games record and added another major international achievement to his career.

Obiena’s victory brought the Philippines’ gold medal tally to three as of 7 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The Philippines is ranked 17th in the official medal tally with 18 medals — three gold, three silver and 12 bronze.

The Philippine Olympic Committee congratulated Obiena for his performance, saying he had cemented his legacy in Asian athletics.

“Mabuhay ka, EJ!” the POC said.