MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Gabriel Thomas Dinette delivered a massive dominance in the just-concluded 33rd Southeast Asian Games at Chonburi, Thailand together with eight other medalists that could shape up a great future of Philippine wrestling in years to come in global competitions.
Dinette beat Vietnamese Van Truong Vu Tran in the gold medal round after a walkover due to injury to take home the 86-kilogram crown of men’s Freestyle at the Pacifc Hall inside the Pacific Park Si Racha in Si Racha, Chonburi province.
Dinette’s wins, which came right in the final day of competition, highlighted by his great technical superiority in all matches, including against Thai Chiranuwat Chamnanjan and Singapore’s Weng Luen Gary Chow with the same 4-0 score.
“I thank God for the strength and all who have supported me in this journey,” Dinette said as he basked in triumph in Thailand.
Aside from Dinette, the Philippine wrestling team also bagged four silvers and four bronzes in the biennial meet.
They were Hayden Ancheta (Freestyle-Seniors-57 kg), Ronil Tubog (Freestyle- Seniors-65 kg), Aliah Rose Gavalez (Women’s wrestling-Seniors-50 kg) and Ax Arian Geralin Carpio (Women’s wrestling-Seniors-62 kg).
Four other Philippine bets managed to eke out with bronze medals finishes, including Rea Grace Cervantes (Women’s wrestling-Seniors-53 kg), Jason Baucas (Greco-Roman-Seniors-77 kg), Andre Dragani (Freestyle-Seniors-74 kg), and Callum Roberts (Greco-Roman-Seniors-97 kg).
In all, the Filipino wrestlers garnered nine medals after what seemed like a developing regional rivalry in wrestling between Vietnam and the Philippines.
For WAP president Alvin Aguilar, there was indeed a lesson to learn in the campaign.
“We won nine medals, with one gold, and that is something to cheer about,” Aguilar said. “I am beyond proud of our young athletes’ incredible performance at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. With 11 entries, including nine first-timers, they brought home a total of nine medals: one gold four silvers, and four Bronzes.”
“It makes us to strive for more to be able to win as many medals as possible in the future. Proud moment for the Philippine wrestling team,” Aguilar added.
Vietnam won 10 of 12 gold medals at stake, that went with one silver and one bronze, establishing itself as a wrestling power in the region. TMT
Source: Dinette, future of PH wrestling show up in Thailand SEA Games
