Sahagun shines as PH Team A clinches overall title in 11th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games

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The Philippines Team A stamped its dominance in the 11th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games, hauling an impressive 30 gold, 37 silver, and 32 bronze medals to claim the overall title on Thursday, December 5. The victory marked Team A’s second overall crown in the biennial regional meet, which celebrates sportsmanship and camaraderie among Southeast Asian nations.

Golden Performance by Philip Sahagun

La Salle swimmer Philip Sahagun emerged as the most decorated athlete for the hosts, sweeping all five of his events to deliver five gold medals. His victories included the boys’ 200 IM, 100m and 200m backstroke, and the 4×100 freestyle and medley relays, solidifying his status as one of the brightest stars of the competition.

Philippines A team in the opening ceremony, which represented the Mindanao A team, reigned as unanimous champion at the end of this year's edition of BIMP-EAGA in Puerto Princesa City. [PSC photo] — Philippines A team in the opening ceremony, which represented the Mindanao A team, reigned as unanimous champion at the end of this year’s edition of BIMP-EAGA in Puerto Princesa City. [PSC photo]

Other Key Contributors

Milchay Moreno (Athletics): 2 golds, 1 silver
Lora Micah Amoguis (Swimming): 2 golds, 1 silver
Jamie Danielle Nirza (Karate): 1 gold, 1 silver

The Philippines’ strong showing outpaced other regional contenders, with Malaysia B securing second place (17-16-17) and Indonesia finishing third (14-8-5). The Philippines Team E came in fourth, led by Quendy Fernandez, who was named the most bemedalled athlete of the tournament after bagging five golds and two silvers.

Other Highlights

Esports (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang):
- PH Team E dominated the event, winning gold after a 3-1 triumph over PH Team D, which settled for silver.
- Malaysia and PH Team A earned the bronze.
Sepak Takraw:
- Indonesia swept the men’s and women’s titles, while PH Team A claimed silver in both categories.

Medal Table Summary

PH Team A: 30-37-32
Malaysia B: 17-16-17
Indonesia: 14-8-5
PH Team E: 13-8-11
PH Team B: 6-6-10
Malaysia A: 2-3-2
PH Team D: 1-2-10
Brunei Darussalam: 1-2-8
PH Team C: 1-2-1

Historical Significance and Closing Ceremony

This year’s Friendship Games marked the fourth time the event has been held in the Philippines, with Puerto Princesa City hosting for the second time after its inaugural run in 2003. The closing ceremony, held at the Balayong Basketball Covered Court, features Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann, Commissioner Walter Torres, and other officials, with the formal turnover to the next host nation.

About the Friendship Games

The BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games is a regional multi-sport event aimed at fostering goodwill and cooperation among athletes from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This year, the event featured eight sports disciplines: aquatics (swimming), athletics, archery, badminton, esports, karate, pencak silat, and sepak takraw.