THE Philippines’ campaign at the Asian Youth Games ended without a podium finish in volleyball, jiu-jitsu, and cycling after a string of close matches on Wednesday night in Bahrain.

In the girls’ volleyball bronze medal match, Alas Pilipinas bowed to Thailand, 24–26, 20–25, 24–26, at the Isa Sports City–Hall C. Despite the loss, the young Filipinas put up a strong fight against their Southeast Asian rivals.

Rhose Almendralejo, 16, led the Philippine side with 15 points, while Harlyn Serneche and Samantha Cantada chipped in eight each. For Thailand, Natthawan Phatthaisong tallied 13 points, followed by Sasithorn Jatta with 12, Nattharika Wasan with 11, and Wisaruta Sengna with 10. The match lasted one hour and 29 minutes.

“We were always close, but our errors showed up at crucial points,” said Jai Adrao, who contributed five points, including two blocks. “Still, we’re proud of our performance and grateful for the chance to represent the country.”

Adrao extended her thanks to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and National University for supporting the team’s preparation. She also expressed appreciation for the Filipino fans who cheered them on in Bahrain.

“It felt like home even though we were abroad,” she said. “Many Filipinos came to support us, and even after our losses, they continued to lift our spirits.”

No Medals for Jiu-Jitsu, Cycling Teams

In jiu-jitsu, Zeus Babanto fell to Adam Fernani of Saudi Arabia by submission in the bronze medal match of the boys’ -85kg division at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir.

Meanwhile, Sachi Khonghun earned a 3–0 victory over Mongolia’s Munkhjin Batbold in the girls’ -52kg class, while Jin Gabriel Ong lost to Kyrgyzstan’s Abdusomad Tynchtyk Tynchtykbekov in the boys’ -56kg event.

On the cycling track at the Nasser bin Hamad loop in Zallaq, CJ Cabrejos finished 12th in the 99.6-kilometer boys’ road race after crossing the line just 21 seconds behind the leader.

Lee Wan Chun of Hong Kong clinched the gold with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 54 seconds, followed closely by Kittaphat Homkajorn of Thailand. Taha Alkhalifah of Saudi Arabia secured bronze, 10 seconds behind the winner.

Cabrejos was part of a seven-man group clocking 2:24:15, while teammates Carl Laurence Espinosa and Joelian Abdul Hamid were unable to finish.

Despite the setbacks, Filipino athletes showed grit and determination across all events — gaining valuable experience as they continue to rise in Asian youth sports competition.