EJ OBIENA copped the 2026 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships on Saturday night in Tianjin, China.
Obiena continued his stellar start to the year after a clearance of 5.70 meters to capture his first ever gold in the Asian indoor event.
He bested two Chinese bets in Li Chenyang (5.60) and Chen Yang (5.40) for the gold medal.
READ: Obiena shares first gold of 2026 season with Vloon in Cottbus
Amsamarng Patasapong of Thailand, the pole vaulter who Obiena beat in last year's 33rd Southeast Asian Games, placed fourth with 5.20.
Prior to Tianjin, Obiena topped the International Jump-Meeting Cottbus, Germany with a 5.77.
Obiena attempted to clear 5.80 in the Asian indoors that would have been a season best, but failed in all three attempts.
Nevertheless, Obiena reasserted the label of being Asia's best by wresting the gold in just two attempts after clearing 5.50 to start the competition.
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