ANNIE Ramirez has delivered the Philippines’ third gold medal in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, marking a resurgence in the country’s campaign.
Jiu-jitsu has breathed new life into their performance at the 19th edition of the continental event.
In a remarkable victory, Ramirez clinched the Philippines’ third gold medal and their second in the field of jiu-jitsu by dominating the women’s -57kg category at the Xiaoshan Linpu Gymnasium on Friday, October 6. Ramirez displayed an unbeaten streak throughout the competition, culminating in a 2-0 win over Kazakhstan’s Galina Duvanova in the final.
Having previously earned three Southeast Asian Games titles, Ramirez made her way to the final by defeating tough opponents such as Vietnam’s Le Thi Thuong, Singapore’s Fiona Toh, and the UAE’s Shamsa Alameri.
Ramirez’ triumph followed a day after her fellow jiu-jitsu standout, Meggie Ochoa, secured the second gold medal for the Philippines in Hangzhou. This achievement also came on the heels of pole vaulter EJ Obiena’s historic gold medal win on Saturday, September 30.
Thus far, jiu-jitsu has been a significant contributor to the Philippines’ medal count at the Asian Games, accounting for three medals in total. Kaila Napolis also made her mark by adding a bronze medal in the women’s -52kg category.
Napolis, who is celebrated for winning the Philippines’ first gold in the previous Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in May, secured the bronze with a 4-2 victory over the UAE’s Hessa Alshamsi. (ai/mnm)
