EJ Obiena Defends His Asian Games Pole Vault Title in Nagoya

In 2023, at the Hangzhou Asian Games, EJ Obiena cleared 5.90 meters to win gold in the men’s pole vault. That victory ended a 37 year gold medal drought for Philippine track and field, one that stretched back to Lydia de Vega’s win in 1986.

Defending the Throne in Aichi-Nagoya

The 20th Asian Games run in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Obiena enters as the defending men’s pole vault champion, and as the current holder of the Asian record he set in Hangzhou.

Nine Golds Before Nagoya

Obiena heads into Nagoya ranked No. 11 in the world, the highest ranking among Asian pole vaulters. He has nine gold medals this season, including a season best clearance of 5.91 meters at the Golden Sand meet in Miedzyzdroje, Poland, in August.

Training in Athens for Nagoya

Obiena is training in Athens, Greece, under Polish coach Marcin Szczepanski as he prepares for Nagoya. Beyond retaining his title, he has a second goal there: matching or improving the Asian record he already holds.

Eight Golds Is the Target

The Philippines won four gold, two silver, and twelve bronze medals in Hangzhou. With 464 athletes competing across 39 sports in Nagoya, the Philippine Olympic Committee wants at least eight golds this time. Obiena’s event is one of the surer bets on that list.