Photo credit: AP/PHOTO - Aaron Favila
In a groundbreaking achievement, the Philippines has secured its first-ever medal at the Asian Winter Games, clinching gold in men’s curling. The historic victory came on February 14, 2025, during the 9th Asian Winter Gamesheld in Harbin, China.
The Filipino curling team delivered an outstanding performance, defeating South Korea 5-3 in the finals at the Harbin Pingfang Curling Arena. This monumental win not only marks the Philippines’ first medal in the history of the Asian Winter Games, but it also makes the country the first Southeast Asian nation to win a gold medal in a winter sport.
A Historic Victory for the Philippines
The Philippines’ gold medal in curling is a major milestone for the nation, particularly because the country is known for its tropical climate, where winter sports are rarely practiced. This triumph serves as an inspiration for tropical nations, proving that dedication, strategy, and perseverance can lead to success in winter sports.
The victory is expected to boost interest in curling and winter sports in the Philippines, potentially paving the way for future Filipino athletes to compete on the world stage, including the Winter Olympics.
Meet the Team: The Athletes Behind the Gold Medal
The Philippine curling team, known as Curling Pilipinas, was formed in 2023 after the country became an official member of the World Curling Federation. The team is composed of:
Marc Pfister (Team Skip)
Enrico Pfister (Vice-Skip)
Alan Frei (Second)
Christian Haller (Lead)
Benjo Delarmente (Alternate)
Four of the team members—Marc Pfister, Enrico Pfister, Alan Frei, and Christian Haller—were born in Switzerland to Filipino mothers, making them eligible to represent the Philippines. Their diverse experience and competitive backgrounds helped propel them to victory.
The Road to Gold: Philippines’ Journey to Victory
The Philippines’ curling team faced significant challenges on their way to the podium. Here’s how they made history:
Round Robin Stage – The team started with a loss to South Korea but quickly bounced back, securing wins against Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Chinese Taipei.
Playoffs – The team defeated Japan in the qualification game and stunned host nation China in the semifinals.
Final Match vs. South Korea – In a tense championship match, the Philippines clinched gold with a 5-3 victory, showcasing their skill, strategy, and teamwork.
This gold medal win is a testament to the team’s ability to adapt, strategize, and perform under pressure, proving that the Philippines is now a serious contender in winter sports.
Why This Win Matters for the Philippines and Southeast Asia
This historic win has multiple implications for the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region:
First Southeast Asian Gold in Winter Games – This is the first-ever winter sports gold medal won by a Southeast Asian nation.
Inspiration for Future Filipino Athletes – The win may encourage younger generations to take up winter sports and aspire for Olympic participation.
Increased Funding for Winter Sports – With this victory, government agencies and private sponsors may invest in developing winter sports infrastructure for Filipino athletes.
Stronger Presence in International Sports – The Philippines’ success in curling strengthens its presence in global sports beyond basketball and boxing.
What’s Next? The Road to the 2026 Winter Olympics
With their Asian Winter Games gold medal, the Philippine curling team is now setting their sights on an even bigger stage: the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
Potential Olympic Qualification – The team’s success in Harbin significantly boosts their chances of qualifying for the Winter Olympics.
More Training & Exposure – The team is expected to compete in international tournaments, gaining valuable experience against top-tier curling nations like Canada, Sweden, and Norway.
Expansion of the Sport in the Philippines – This victory could lead to the development of a dedicated curling program in the country, with training facilities and grassroots initiatives.
Conclusion: A Moment of National Pride
The Philippines’ historic gold medal in curling at the Asian Winter Games 2025 is a monumental achievement that showcases the determination, skill, and heart of Filipino athletes. This groundbreaking victory will go down in history, marking the beginning of a new era for Filipino winter sports.
As the country celebrates this momentous win, all eyes are now on the future. Can the Philippines qualify for the Winter Olympics? With the passion and talent displayed by the curling team, the answer is looking more and more like a resounding yes.
