CAGAYAN de Oro City — Davao judoka Chino Sy Tancontian delivered a double win on Saturday, Sept. 12—taking gold in Australia while being named Male Sports Hero of the Year back home. 

Tancontian won the men’s minus-100-kilogram division at the 2026 Perth International Open at the Gold Netball Centre in Jolimont, Western Australia, giving him a strong boost ahead of the Asian Games. 

He dominated both matches in the Judo Australia National Event Series, winning by ippon.

Tancontian needed only a minute to beat Western Australia’s Joseph White in the opening bout, then stopped Northern Australia’s Kyle Mainey in just 30 seconds in the final. 

“Heading into the Asian Games, I look forward to continuing this momentum. As always, I am proud to represent the Philippines,” Tancontian said. 

Honored in Davao 

The Australian victory came on the same day Tancontian was recognized as Male Sports Hero of the Year during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Heroes Awards Night at Rogen Inn in Davao City. 

He could not attend the ceremony because he was competing in Australia, but sent a video message thanking his supporters in Davao. 

“This is a big thing for us because we also started as young athletes from Davao City, and now we have the chance to inspire younger generations to follow in our footsteps,” Tancontian said. 

He also thanked the Davao City government, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee for supporting his sporting career. 

Tancontian’s father, Philippine Sambo Federation President Paolo Tancontian, announced the two milestones. 

The younger Tancontian previously competed for the Philippines in sambo and wrestling. 

He also won silver at the 2025 Oceania Judo Open before shifting his focus to judo as part of his Olympic campaign. 

Eyes on Asian Games 

The Perth gold comes just days before the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, where Tancontian will represent the Philippines in the men’s minus-100kg division. 

He is scheduled to leave for Japan on Sept. 26 after a short return to the Philippines. 

The judo competition will be held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, with Tancontian set to compete on Oct. 2. 

For the Davao athlete, the Australian win provides more than another medal. It gives him momentum—and a reminder of the young athletes back home he hopes to inspire.