The PH Mixed Judo Team didn’t just compete on Saturday, December 14, 2025; they forged a historic victory out of sheer willpower, securing a gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA Games 2025) in Bangkok.
A powerful demonstration of collective strength and strategic mastery saw the PH Mixed Judo Team dominate the tatami (judo mat) and overcome a fierce challenge from the host nation, Thailand, in a gripping final match. This triumph is a defining moment for Philippine sports, showcasing the true power of unity and the Filipino fighting spirit right here in Bangkok.
The Ultimate Test of Teamwork
The mixed team event is a relatively new but incredibly exciting format in international judo, designed to promote gender equality and teamwork. It involves teams composed of three male and three female athletes, each competing across different weight categories. The essence of the event lies in collective strategy and sequential performance, where the momentum from one match can carry through to the next.
The atmosphere at the Chonburi Indoor Stadium was charged with anticipation. The final against Thailand was always going to be a monumental challenge. The home crowd was loud, the pressure was immense, but the PH Mixed Judo Team remained a picture of focus and determination.
The match unfolded like a chessboard game. Each athlete was deployed with purpose, their individual skills complementing the overall team strategy. The contest was tight, a back-and-forth battle where every ippon (a match-winning throw) and every point counted towards the final result.
The PH Mixed Judo Team managed to secure early leads, showing dominance in crucial weight classes. The moments of individual brilliance, particularly from team anchors Chino Sy-Tancontian and the experienced Kiyomi Watanabe, proved decisive. Their victories provided the necessary cushion and morale boost to weather the inevitable Thai comebacks.
When the final point was secured and the victory declared for the Philippines, a wave of relief and pure joy washed over the PH Mixed Judo Team. Hugs were exchanged, tears were shed, and the arena, though dominated by Thai supporters, felt a moment of awe at the Filipinos’ dominance. The victory was comprehensive, leaving no doubt that the best team had won the gold medal.
Kiyomi Watanabe, visibly ecstatic after the medal ceremony, shared with Juan Sports: “We trained for this moment every single day. The mixed team event is special because you’re not just fighting for yourself; you’re fighting for your family, your teammates, and our country. This gold belongs to every single one of us.”
A Double Gold Saturday: Sy-Tancontian Shines Bright
The team gold was the perfect conclusion to what was already a historic day for Philippine judo. Earlier on Saturday, Chino Sy-Tancontian had already etched his name into the annals of the 2025 SEA Games by securing an individual gold medal in the Men’s -100kg event.
Sy-Tancontian’s individual performance was a display of sheer power and technical precision. He dominated his category, defeating opponents with convincing ippons. His ability to bounce back and anchor the PH Mixed Judo Team, showcasing incredible stamina and mental fortitude, was one of the stories of the day.
Sy-Tancontian remarked, “Winning the individual gold was amazing, but this team gold is even sweeter. The energy from the team pushes you. When you see your teammates giving their all, you have no choice but to do the same. We fed off each other’s energy.”
This dual success on December 14 is a strong indicator of the rising standards within the Philippine judo community. It demonstrates that the program is not only producing individual champions but also fostering a strong, cohesive team environment capable of winning multi-athlete events. The synergy between the athletes, who have spent months training and living together, was evident in every match on the tatami.
Impact on the Overall Medal Tally
The two gold medals from the PH Mixed Judo Team were vital contributions to the Philippines’ standing in the 33rd SEA Games medal tally. As of the close of competition on Saturday, December 14, the Philippines had accumulated 21 gold medals in total.
In the highly competitive landscape of the SEA Games, where countries like Thailand and Vietnam are vying fiercely for top honors, every gold medal is a treasure. The PH Mixed Judo Team’s performance ensured the Philippines remained a strong contender in the overall standings.
These victories contributed to a productive “Super Saturday” for the Philippines, which also saw gold medals from gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and John Ivan Cruz, and swimmer Kayla Sanchez. The collective success on this day provided a powerful psychological boost for the entire delegation, injecting momentum as the Games head into their final week. The Philippines is well on track to meet or exceed its medal projections, largely thanks to breakout performances in sports like judo, swimming, and gymnastics.
The Heart of Filipino Athletes
The story of the PH Mixed Judo Team is one that resonates deeply with sports fans back home. It exemplifies the spirit of Filipino athletes: resilient, resourceful, and deeply patriotic. They often train with fewer resources than some of their regional counterparts, yet they continuously manage to punch above their weight on the international stage.
The victory serves as a powerful message to aspiring athletes in the Philippines. It shows them that with discipline, perseverance, and a belief in the power of teamwork, they can achieve greatness. Judo, a sport that emphasizes leverage, balance, and respect, mirrors many of the values cherished in Filipino culture.
The PH Mixed Judo Team’s success is also a call to action for increased support for martial arts in the country. Their gold medal highlights the immense potential within these disciplines, deserving of more funding, better facilities, and sustained support from both the government and private sectors.
Looking Ahead in Bangkok
As the 33rd SEA Games continue their run through December 20, 2025, the Philippine delegation is motivated and energized by the PH Mixed Judo Team’s performance. The athletes will carry this momentum into the remaining events, from athletics to combat sports and more.
For the judokas, the immediate future involves rest and recovery, but the long-term goal remains clear: continued dominance in the region and making a mark on the Asian and potentially global stages. The gold medal in the mixed team event is not an end but a powerful beginning.
The nation celebrates these heroes. The streets, living rooms, and social media feeds back home are filled with messages of pride and congratulations for the PH Mixed Judo Team that stood tall on the tatami in Bangkok. They have delivered another glorious chapter in the history of Philippine sports.
Juan Sports will continue to bring you the latest updates, highlights, and in-depth analysis of the remaining events from the 2025 SEA Games. Join us in cheering on Team Philippines as they continue their quest for glory.
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