MANAMA, Bahrain – The Philippine delegation to the 3rd Asian Youth Games landed in Bahrain with renewed energy and pride, buoyed by the golden start delivered by Kram Airam Carpio in pencak silat.

At least half of the national contingent has now arrived in this West Asian capital, where the multi-sport event returns after a 12-year hiatus. Among the early arrivals were athletes from combat sports and athletics, all eager to make their mark in the continental youth competition.

Combat sports and athletics teams settle in Bahrain

Representatives from boxing, taekwondo, mixed martial arts, muay, and track and field checked in just in time for the colorful opening ceremony at the Exhibition World Bahrain on Wednesday night.

Taekwondo, one of the Philippines’ most consistent medal sources, brings one of the biggest delegations with 16 athletes. The sport also produced a gold medal in the 2013 edition through Pauline Lopez. Boxing has six athletes, MMA has five, muay brings 12, and athletics features eight Filipino competitors.

They joined the advanced contingent from volleyball, teqball, pencak silat, kurash, and golf, who arrived earlier to prepare for their respective competitions.

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Carpio’s gold sets early tone for the Philippines

The arrival of the new wave of athletes was met with the uplifting news of Carpio’s victory in pencak silat, where she clinched the Philippines’ first gold medal even before the Games officially opened.

Carpio, a standout from Santa Cruz, Laguna, ruled the girls’ 51-55 kg category after a dominant 33-19 triumph over Indonesia’s Qiken Dwi Tata Olifia on Monday. Her win not only opened the medal tally for the Philippines but also sparked confidence among her teammates.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino and Chef de Mission Tats Suzara joined the celebration at Exhibition World Bahrain Hall 1, cheering alongside fellow Filipino delegates.

The rest of Team Philippines—including athletes from triathlon, cycling, weightlifting, table tennis, badminton, wrestling, swimming, and jiu-jitsu—are scheduled to arrive in the coming days, completing the full contingent ready to represent the country with pride.