Para swimmer Ariel Joseph Alegarbes secures PH’s second gold in Asian Para Games

Filipino para swimmer Ariel Joseph Alegarbes clinched the Philippines’ second gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games after ruling the men’s 100-meter backstroke S14 final in one minute and 1.56 seconds.

The 22-year-old edged South Korea’s Sungho Kang by just 0.05 seconds in a tight finish, while Thailand’s Natirat Meeprom settled for bronze.

Alegarbes’ victory added to the Philippines’ gold medal haul, following Ernie Gawilan’s triumph in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 event.

The Philippines currently sits 14th in the medal standings with two gold medals and one bronze, for a total of three medals.

(Photo Courtesy: Philippine Paralympic Committee)