Kram Airam Carpio handed Team Philippines an early headline before the official opening of the 3rd Asian Youth Games, overpowering Indonesia’s Qiken Dwi Tata Olifia, 33–19, to win the girls’ 51–55 kg Pencak Silat title at Exhibition World Bahrain. Her victory arrived as the 141-strong Philippine contingent prepared to march into the Sakhir venue for the grand ceremony.

Carpio’s gold was the result of a series of commanding performances: she cleared Iran’s Nazninfatemeh Kolasangiani in the Round of 16, outpointed India’s Sakshi in the quarters, and beat Kazakhstan’s Aliyam Azizova in the semifinals before closing out the final. The win immediately raised spirits within the delegation that will compete across 24 sports and 253 events.

Carpio’s win injects momentum into the Philippine camp

Carpio admitted to feeling the pressure but said focus carried her through the final. “I felt a little nervous before the final match, but when it started I just focused on what I needed to do to finish the job and deliver for the Philippines,” she said. After the medal ceremony she thanked supporters and urged continued backing for the rest of the team.

Her triumph also brought an emotional lift for officials and teammates. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino called Carpio’s performance a morale booster and suggested that the delegation could surpass past results. “Sobrang taas ng morale natin nito,” Tolentino said, noting that the spirit and teamwork with the Philippine Sports Commission have changed the team’s outlook since the 2013 Games.

Carpio’s run provides an immediate storyline to follow as Team Philippines settles into competition mode. The athletes will face deep fields from 45 nations, with more than 4,300 competitors expected at the Games.

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Ambition tempered by care as Philippines chases a bigger return

Officials made clear that while medal hopes have risen, athlete welfare remains paramount. Tolentino warned against overworking young competitors and urged team managers to balance ambition with caution. “Safety is still our top priority. Bata ang mga ito, hindi naman yan yung mga beteranong matigas na ang katawan,” he said.

Team Philippines fields athletes in a wide array of disciplines — from volleyball, teqball and golf to taekwondo, muay and weightlifting — and will try to build on Carpio’s early success. With the delegation’s morale high and the opening ceremony imminent, coaches and officials hope the strong start will translate into sustained performances throughout the schedule.