Ubas Stuns Field, Books Ticket to Asian Games Final

0Shares

Veteran long jumper Janry Ubas silenced doubts with a clutch leap on Sunday. The 32-year-old booked his ticket to the men’s long jump final at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. His late surge kept the Philippine athletics team’s medal hopes alive in Nagoya.

Ubas cleared 7.59 meters on his second attempt at Mizuho Park Stadium. The mark hit the strict qualification standard and secured his spot in tomorrow’s final. He finished eighth overall in a stacked field of 12 finalists.

Ubas advances to his second consecutive Asian Games long jump final after finishing eighth in qualifying. [POC Media pool]

Ubas Stares Down a Stacked Asiad Field

Uzbekistan’s Anvar Anvarov led the qualifying round with a commanding 8.00-meter leap. The gap showed just how deep this year’s competition runs. Ubas said the field pushed even the strongest jumpers to their limit.

“Sobrang happy kasi na-hit agad ang qualifying standard. Sobrang lakas talaga, parang final na. ‘Yong iba na magagaling, nahirapan din,” Ubas said.

(“I’m so happy because I hit the qualifying standard right away. The competition is really strong, it already feels like the finals. Even some of the top athletes struggled.”)

Ubas Eyes Redemption After 2023 Heartbreak

Ubas is a former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist who has represented the Philippines in athletics for years. Sunday’s result marked his second straight Asian Games final appearance.

At the 2023 Hangzhou Games, Ubas ranked third in qualifying but ultimately finished seventh overall. He is hoping to avoid a similar letdown this time around in Nagoya.

Heading into Monday’s final, the veteran jumper says he is staying composed under pressure. He is leaning on years of international experience rather than the weight of the moment.

“Feeling ko may natira pa akong lakas at mag-iimprove pa sa finals. Focus lang, huwag ma-pressure, tiwala lang sa training. Lahat naman naghanda,” Ubas said.

(“I feel like I still have energy left to improve in the finals. I just need to focus, avoid the pressure, and trust my training. Everyone came prepared.”)

This marks Ubas’ third appearance at the Asian Games, and the stakes feel higher than ever. He knows his window to reach the podium is narrowing with age.

“Gusto ko talaga maka-produce ng medalya kasi pang-third time ko na ito. Next time, 36 or 37 na ako,” Ubas admitted.

(“I really want to produce a medal because this is already my third time here. By the next edition, I will already be 36 or 37 years old.”)