Veteran para swimmer Ernie Gawilan won the Philippines’ first gold medal at the 5th Asian Para Games on Monday, Oct. 19, while debutant Raemond Adefuin claimed bronze to give the country a two-medal haul in the opening day of competition.

Gawilan successfully defended his title in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 final, clocking 4 minutes, 56.72 seconds to lead the field and deliver an early highlight for Team Philippines in Aichi-Nagoya.

China’s Yilong Zhang finished second in 5:01.36 to take silver, while Singapore’s Wei Soong Toh claimed bronze in 5:24.23.

Meanwhile, Adefuin added to the Philippines’ medal tally with a bronze-medal finish in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke SB6, recording 1:30.76 in his Asian Para Games debut.

The two podium finishes gave the Philippine delegation one gold and one bronze medal in para swimming.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Philippines ranked 11th in the official medal standings, according to DZRH News.

Gawilan’s victory marked a successful title defense and provided the Philippine team with its first gold of the continental competition, while Adefuin’s bronze added another podium finish to the country’s campaign.

The 5th Asian Para Games is being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with Filipino athletes competing across various sports for medals.