Philippines’ players celebrate their win against Jordan at the men’s gold medal basketball game between Jordan and Philippines during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou in China’s eastern Zhejiang province on October 6, 2023. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)
Filipinos erupted in joy and relief as the men’s basketball team of the Philippines secured its first Asian Games gold medal in 61 years. The basketball-crazy nation of 110 million people was captivated by the Gilas Pilipinas’ 70-60 victory over Jordan in the final held in Hangzhou, China.
The crowd at a watch party in a university hostel in northern Manila was ecstatic as they witnessed the last Jordanian rally falter. Martin Andrew Guevara, a sound engineer and basketball enthusiast, expressed his pride as he said, “I’m very happy. Proud, proud, proud Pinoy (Filipino).” The win served as redemption for the disappointing performance of the Philippine team in the Fiba World Cup last month.
Francesca Gomez, an account manager for sports-related products, shared her excitement about the historic win, stating, “It’s very exciting because it’s the first time we’ve won in six decades… It feels like it’s been a long time.” Even President Ferdinand Marcos recognized the significance of the victory, tweeting, “I know every Filipino is proud to be called one today. Congratulations, Gilas Pilipinas, on this incredible feat!”
This triumph ended a 51-year drought for the Philippine men’s basketball team, marking a momentous occasion for the country. In 1962, a Filipino team led by Carlos “The Big Difference” Loyzaga secured the Asian Games basketball gold in Jakarta. The victory, long-awaited by Filipinos, brought a sense of joy and pride to the nation.
“51 years in the making,” tweeted one fan, falling short by a decade.
Either way, it had felt far too long.
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