Annie Ramirez rules again as PH nets 3 golds in Asian Beach Games

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Annie Ramirez completes a hat trick of Asian Beach Games gold medals, becoming the third Filipino in this edition in Sanya, China, to take home the top prize after fellow jiu-jitsu bet Alexandria Enriquez and high jumper Leonard Grospe

MANILA, Philippines – Jiu-jitsu star Annie Ramirez bannered the first batch of Filipino medalists in the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, as she maintained her dominance in the continental showdown being held for the first time in a decade.

Ramirez completed a hat trick of Asian Beach Games gold medals following her triumphs in 2014 in Phuket, Thailand, and in 2016 in Danang, Vietnam, becoming the third Filipino in this edition to take home the top prize after fellow jiu-jitsu bet Alexandria Enriquez and high jumper Leonard Grospe.

A double gold medalist in last year’s world championships, Ramirez beat Emily Thomas via advantage in an all-Filipina duel for the women’s -57kg crown as she redeemed herself months after missing out on a fourth straight gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.

“This victory means a lot to me — not just because it’s another gold, but because it marks my first multi-sport event of 2026, representing the Philippines on a bigger stage once again,” Ramirez wrote on a Facebook post.

Enriquez broke the golden ice for the Philippines as she ruled the women’s -63kg class following a 5-0 victory over South Korea’s Lee Yeon-ji in the finale. 

Born in the Philippines before her family immigrated to the United States when she was only six years old, the 27-year-old Enriquez took pride in bringing honor to her motherland. 

“I feel so much pride and joy,” said Enriquez. “[T]o be able to be a part of something much larger than I am is such a great honor.”

Grospe followed suit as he topped the men’s high jump event of beach athletics, recording 2.05 meters to edge Chinese Taipei’s Yeh Po-Ting and China’s Zhang Hao for the gold via countback.

Clearing the height in a single attempt, Grospe struck gold by the skin of his teeth as Yeh and Zhang shared the silver after both needing two tries. 

With 3 golds, 2 silvers, and 2 bronzes so far, the Philippines sits at third in the medal tally as of Monday, April 27, behind China (14 golds, 11 silvers, 4 bronzes) and Thailand (4 golds, 5 silvers, 3 bronzes).

Other Filipino medalists include Thomas (silver) and fellow jiu-jitsu bet Kaila Napolis (bronze, women’s -52kg) and beach athletics standout Jessica Rose Laurance (bronze, women’s 60m), who also bagged silver in the women’s 4x60m relay together with Kristina Knott, Shane Joy Ponce, and Lianne Diana Pama.

Also seeking to deliver medals are the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Men and Women teams, which advanced to the quarterfinals of their respective divisions.

Composed of Jeff Manday, Nic Cabañero, Aldous Torculas, and Gelo Crisostomo, Gilas 3×3 Men topped Group A with a 2-1 record.

Meanwhile, Gilas 3×3 Women — bannered by Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Kaye Pingol, and Gabi Bade — swept Group C with a 3-0 card. – Rappler.com