EJ Obiena Secures Asian Indoor Pole Vault Championship in Season Debut
Filipino pole vault sensation EJ Obiena launched his 2026 athletic campaign in spectacular fashion, capturing the gold medal at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships held on Saturday in Tianjin, China. The two-time Olympian delivered a commanding performance, clearing a height of 5.70 meters on his very first attempt to clinch the title and reinforce his status as Asia's premier pole vaulter.
A Personal Triumph for the Filipino Star
Following his victory, Obiena took to social media to express the deep significance of this achievement. "Your boy is finally an Asian Indoor Champ," he wrote on Facebook. "This means way more than just a win for me." His words hinted at the personal weight behind this podium finish, underscoring a milestone that transcends mere competition.
In the intense showdown, Obiena outperformed Chinese rival Li Chenyang, who could not match the winning height after three attempts and settled for the silver medal, having passed at 5.60 meters. Another Chinese athlete, Chen Yang, earned the bronze with a clearance of 5.40 meters, rounding out the podium in a display of regional athletic prowess.
Pushing Limits and Building Momentum
Not content with the gold, Obiena, who holds the Asian record at 5.93 meters, aimed even higher by attempting 5.80 meters. Although he fell short in all three tries, this ambitious effort highlighted his relentless drive and did little to diminish the glory of his win. The victory marks a continuation of Obiena's strong early-season form, coming just two weeks after he topped the International Springer-Meeting in Germany.
Demonstrating his unwavering dedication, Obiena announced immediate plans to return to Germany for the Indoor Meeting Karlsruhe later the same day. "For now we fly back to Germany," he stated, showcasing a packed schedule that keeps him on the move across international stages.
With the Asian indoor title now added to his accolades, EJ Obiena's season momentum appears unstoppable as he swiftly transitions from one global competition to the next, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year in athletics.
