Sambo’s Aislinn Yap gives PH second bronze in World Games, fourth medal overall 

Filipino sambo sensation Aislinn Agnes Yap secured a bronze medal in the women’s 80-kg division after defeating Nicole Castro of Costa Rica, 3-1, on Thursday in Chengdu, China.

Her victory not only marked a personal triumph but also delivered Team Philippines its second bronze and fourth overall medal in the 2025 World Games — the country’s best medal haul in its history of competing in the event.

Joining Yap on the podium for the Philippines were ju-jitsu star Kaila Napolis and billiards ace Chezka Centeno, who each earned silver medals, while wushu standout Carlos Baylon Jr. claimed bronze in the 56-kg sanda category. 

Earlier, Olympic boxer Hergie Bacyadan narrowly missed a podium finish, falling to Serbia’s Aleksandra Krstc in the women’s kickboxing -70kg bronze medal match to settle for fourth place.

Currently ranked world No. 1 in sambo, Yap was the lone Filipino entry in the sport — making her win even more significant, as this year marked the debut of sambo at the World Games. 

Her performance not only etched her name in history but also showcased the Philippines’  growing presence in a wider range of international combat sports. 

🥉 Sambo athlete Aislinn Agnes Yap has picked up the Philippines’ second bronze at the Chengdu World Games, winning it in the women’s combat -80kg after defeating Costa Rica’s Nicole Castro, 3-1.#TWG2025 #LikeNoOther pic.twitter.com/FEAI1m0p5a

— Archive (@ArchiveInt) August 14, 2025

Yap’s podium finish also underscored the strength of the Philippine contingent in Chengdu, which fielded athletes across multiple disciplines and reached new milestones on the global stage. 

With four medals—two silvers and two bronzes—the country not only surpassed its previous best but also demonstrated its potential to contend in non-traditional sports, inspiring a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue excellence beyond the nation’s staple events.

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