Marilyn Cahatol

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena competes in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Camboadia on May 8, 2023 on the way to winning a gold. POC/PSC Media

Article (news)

SEA GAMES

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<p>EJ Obiena couldn’t hide his joy after finally capturing the one Asian title that had long eluded him—the Asian Indoor pole vault gold medal.</p><p>Fresh from his victory in China late Saturday night, the Filipino vaulting ace said winning the Asian Indoor crown completed his collection of major regional titles, a milestone he has chased for years.</p><p>“I’ve won multiple meets in Asia. This is the only one missing in my collection, so that’s done,” Obiena said shortly after the competition as he headed to the airport for his return trip to Europe.</p><p>“It’s a really good feeling. I’ve tried it multiple times—it’s been difficult. I’m not really an indoor type of guy.”</p><p>Obiena cleared 5.70 meters to secure the gold, a height he admitted was not his best but more than enough under the circumstances.</p><p>“I had a bit of a stomach issue,” he said. “We did what we came here to do. The height’s not where I want it to be, but all things considered, I’m happy.”</p><p>The world No. 11 pole vaulter also pointed to logistical challenges during the meet, including equipment transport and a tight schedule, but chose to focus on the result.</p><p>“A lot of things happened—transportation of equipment, scheduling—it was a bit tricky,” Obiena said. “But that’s in the past. I’m really happy I was able to take the win.”</p><p>With the Asian Indoor title secured, Obiena can now proudly say he has won every major championship in the region.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/2/7/ej-obiena-bags-gold-in-12th-asian-indoor-athletics-championships-2200">EJ Obiena bags gold in 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships</a></div><p>“I’ve won the Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, Asian Championships, and now the Asian Indoor Championships,” he said. “When the time comes, I can say I’ve won all of these in Asia.”</p><p>At the time of the interview, Obiena was already en route to the airport in China, racing against time to catch a flight to Germany for his next competition—the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet in Karlsruhe on Sunday, February 8.</p><p>“I have the Gold tour in Karlsruhe. It’s a last-minute thing and I can’t really pull out,” Obiena explained. “It’s a continuation of the World Continental Tour.”</p><p>The travel, he admitted, would be grueling.</p><p>“It’s going to be a long trip. I hope I make the flight. I should arrive around 6:30 a.m., then let’s see what I can do. The competition starts at 6 p.m.”</p><p>Following Karlsruhe, Obiena and coach Vitaly Petrov will decide on his next European stops.</p><p>“After Karlsruhe, we’ll see what the best move is—maybe something on the 14th,” Obiena said. “But it will depend on how I feel.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/1/29/ej-obiena-leaps-to-gold-new-season-best-in-germany-meet-0908">EJ Obiena leaps to gold, new season best in Germany meet</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yKCfZl2z-VM?si=nxRLhFT0vO5BNF8K" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Fresh from his victory in China late Saturday night, the Filipino vaulting ace said winning the Asian Indoor crown completed his collection of major regional titles, a milestone he has chased for years.</p>

Fresh from his victory in China late Saturday night, the Filipino vaulting ace said winning the Asian Indoor crown completed his collection of major regional titles, a milestone he has chased for years.

Obiena completes 'Asian slam' with indoor gold, flies to Germany for next meet

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Sports

Obiena completes 'Asian slam' with indoor gold, flies to Germany for next meet

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 08, 2026 01:32 PM PHT

Read More:

EJ Obiena

Vault

Asian Indoor

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.