All news tagged KailaNapolis

WHEN THE MEDAL WAS ON THE LINE, KAILA NAPOLIS DIDN’T BLINK.

She stepped onto the mat with one thing at stake—a place on the Asian Games podium.

And when the final exchange was over, the Philippine flag was coming home with another medal. 🇵🇭🔥

Filipina grappler Jenna Kaila Napolis battled her way to bronze in the women’s -52kg at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, closing her campaign with a hard-earned victory over Mongolia’s Tsagaanbileg Altangerel.

The score read 2-0.

But the number doesn't tell the entire story.

Behind those two points were the composure, tactical discipline, and relentless fight required to deliver when the pressure was at its highest. Napolis kept her focus, stayed in the battle, and finished the job when the medal was within reach.

No shortcuts. No surrender. Just fight.

For a country that continues to produce athletes willing to go toe-to-toe with Asia’s best, Napolis’ bronze is another reminder that Philippine grappling belongs on the continental stage. 🥋🇵🇭

She may not have stood on the top step of the podium—but she stood there.

And sometimes, earning that spot is a victory in itself.

KAILA NAPOLIS IS AN ASIAN GAMES MEDALIST. 🥉🔥

Another medal for Team Philippines. Another Filipino athlete who showed up when it mattered most.

Salamat sa laban, Kaila. You made the nation proud.

The World Games 2025 in Chengdu is underway, with Filipino athletes leaving it all on the field, striving not just for personal glory but also to bring pride and recognition to the Philippines in their

As of August 14, Team Philippines has secured a total of three medals—two silvers and one bronze.

Kaila Napolis made history for the Philippines at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, seizing a hard-earned silver in the Jiu Jitsu Newaza -52kg division. 

Napolis thrilled fans with an electrifying run, defeating Israel’s Pnina Aronov in the semifinals. 

She showcased exceptional skill and heart throughout the tournament, ultimately finishing second after a hard-fought gripping final against South Korea’s Eon Ju Im.

“I am a little disappointed I did not get the crucial point. But I am still grateful I was able to represent the country here,” Napolis said.

Despite the defeat, Napolis gave the country reason to celebrate by clinching the Philippine team’s first medal in Chengdu after three days of competition.

With this achievement, Kaila joins an elite group of Filipino athletes — Marlon Manalo, Arriane Cerdena, Jorge Fernandez, Arnold Baradi, and Mike Ventossa — who have earned silver medals on the prestigious global stage of the World Games.

Her achievement raises hopes for more medals from the Philippine contingent, which is led by chef-de-mission Stephen Arapoc, and sets a positive tone for upcoming competitions. 

With Napolis’ silver, the team is motivated to push harder for further success in the competition.