Dhenver Castillo bags silver in Asian Beach Games windsurfing, PH still third in medal tally 

Battling both the elements and Asia’s best, Dhenver John Castillo proved that consistency and composure can carry just as much weight as speed on open water.

The Filipino windsurfer delivered a hard-earned silver medal in the boys’ foil event of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, navigating through a grueling 13-heat contest that tested endurance as much as skill.

Castillo finished with 39 net points, tying Thailand’s Wachirawit Thonup after the long series of races. The final result, however, came down to the last sail, where the Thai bet edged ahead to claim gold, leaving Castillo with silver after placing second in the decisive race. A planned 14th heat was eventually scrapped due to unfavorable weather, sealing the final standings.

Despite falling just short of the top podium, the result marked another strong showing for Castillo, who entered the competition as a gold medalist from the previous Southeast Asian Games. Competing on a bigger stage against tougher opposition, the Batangas native embraced the challenge.

“Of course, during training, it’s really hard. You have to persevere,” Castillo said. “You really put all your heart into these competitions. My family told me to always be careful, do your best, while my coaches, they said, always stay focused.”

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SAILING STRONG

SEA Games gold medalist Dhenver Castillo secures silver in the Foil Windsurfing event at the #AsianBeachGames and reflects on embracing the pressure and pride of representing his team and family on a bigger stage. | via Bea Escudero/POC Media#OSOnTheSpot pic.twitter.com/5wIPbMLdw8

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) April 28, 2026

“The competition here in China is a bit tough because it’s not just the SEA Games but you are competing against the best in Asia,” he added.

China’s Wang Yiguo dominated the event with a near-flawless performance, taking gold with just 12 net points, underlining the level of competition present in the field.

Castillo’s podium finish contributed to Team Philippines’ steady medal haul in the Games, where the country currently sits among the top performers in the regional meet. The campaign has been highlighted by victories from jiu-jitsu standouts and athletics, reinforcing a balanced showing across multiple disciplines.

More importantly, Castillo’s silver tells a story beyond numbers. It reflects the grind behind the sport—long hours of training, adapting to shifting winds, and making split-second decisions in unpredictable conditions.

With the Asian Beach Games returning after a decade-long hiatus and the Philippines set to host the 2028 edition in Cebu, performances like Castillo’s offer both momentum and promise.

For now, the young windsurfer leaves Sanya not just with a medal, but with proof that he can compete—and thrive—against the best the continent has to offer.

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