The Philippine women’s sepaktakraw team made history Tuesday after settling for silver in the women’s doubles event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
Abegail Sinogbuhan, Jean Marie Sucalit and substitute Nelly Jay Saron fell to Vietnam, 15-8, 15-4, in the gold medal match at Mizuho Park Gymnasium.
Vietnam controlled the tempo early and pulled away midway through the opening set before carrying its momentum into the second frame.
Despite the loss, the Filipinas secured the country’s best-ever finish in sepak takraw at the Asian Games and reached the final for the first time.
Sinogbuhan admitted the team did not expect to make it this far, making the silver even more meaningful.
“Mixed emotions po kasi hindi talaga namin ine-expect na makaka-abot kami sa finals. Talagang hiniling na lang namin kay Lord na sana this Asian Games makakuha kami ng medalya kahit any color,” said Sinogbuhan.
Sucalit, meanwhile, said the medal brought back memories of the team’s previous struggles and disappointments.
“Sobrang nag-flashback lahat ’yung pagod, failures namin sa mga nakaraang competitions. ’Yung feeling na ang sakit sa part namin na tuwing uuwi kami ng Pilipinas, wala kaming dalang medalya. Ngayon awa ng Diyos may dala na kami. Silver pa,” Sucalit said.
The Filipinas reached the gold-medal match after finishing 2-1 in Group B, beating host Japan and India before losing to South Korea, then sweeping Laos, 15-12, 15-10, in the semifinals.
Sepak Takraw Pilipinas president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero also expressed pride in the team, highlighting the years of sacrifice that led to the breakthrough result.
“Nothing but great pride and honor. All their hard work, not just months but years leading to this. We needed this break for a long time,” said the official.
The silver is the Philippines’ second sepak takraw medal in Aichi-Nagoya after the men’s regu team earlier secured bronze.
It is also the country’s third silver medal of the Games, adding another historic milestone to Team Philippines’ campaign. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
