Gilas Women shift focus to Asian Games podium after SEA Games triumph

For years, Gilas Pilipinas Women have owned their corner of Southeast Asia. Now, they want more.

Reclaiming the gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games reaffirmed the Philippines’ status as a regional powerhouse, marking their third title in the last four editions. But inside the program, there is a quiet understanding: dominance in the region is no longer the destination — it’s the foundation.

The next target is bigger, tougher, and far more unforgiving.

After repeatedly knocking on the door in continental competitions, Gilas Women are setting their sights on finally breaking into the Asian Games podium — a stage long ruled by heavyweights like China, South Korea, and Japan.

National coach Pat Aquino believes the gap is narrowing.

“We just want to get a podium finish in the Asian Games. I think we’re close among our Asian nations because of the Fiba tournaments,” said Aquino on Monday during the PSA Awards Night at Diamond Hotel.

That belief isn’t baseless optimism.

Last July, the Filipinas pushed perennial contender Japan to the brink at the FIBA Asia Cup, falling just short in a thrilling 85-82 loss. It was a defeat, yes — but also a statement. Gilas was no longer just competing; it was threatening.

The Asian Games, however, remain unconquered territory. The Philippines has yet to secure a medal in the quadrennial showcase, though a fifth-place finish in 2022 hinted at progress.

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸

Gilas Pilipinas Women reclaims the crown of Southeast Asia Women’s Basketball, silencing hosts Thailand, 73-70 , in a hard-fought gold medal match in #SEAGames2025. pic.twitter.com/xmKAgNPGkN

— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) December 19, 2025

History underscores the challenge. China has dominated the event, winning five of the last six editions and collecting seven gold medals overall. South Korea owns four titles, Japan has two, and Chinese Taipei completes the short list of nations that have ever reached the podium.

It’s an exclusive club.

Breaking into that circle will demand more than talent — it will require resilience, continuity, and belief. Fortunately for Gilas, adversity has been a familiar companion.

“We went through so much before that gold medal, the rule changes, the change in systems, so we’re just grateful we got the gold,” Aquino said in Filipino, referring to his squad’s title run in the 2025 SEA Games, where they edged host Thailand, 73-70, in the final.

The victory over Thailand wasn’t just about reclaiming supremacy. It was proof that the program could endure transitions, adapt to shifting rules, and still deliver under pressure.

“We’d like to keep that gold from now on, I think,” Aquino added.

Keeping Southeast Asia under control is one mission. Crashing Asia’s elite circle is another.

For Gilas Women, the gold medal around their necks is no longer the ultimate reward. It’s a reminder — that they’ve climbed one mountain before.

Now, they’re ready to scale a taller one.

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