It was a historic moment for the Philippine women’s national ice hockey team in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
The Nationals claimed their first-ever IIHF Women’s Asia Cup gold medal after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Iran on Friday at the Al Hili Ice Rink.
The win served as sweet revenge for the Filipinas, who settled for silver last year after a 0-4 loss to Iran’s A team. This time, however, they left no doubt — completing a dominant five-game sweep, capped by a masterclass that clicked into high gear in the second period.
Down 0-1, the Philippines exploded with three quick goals early in the second frame, flipping the deficit into a commanding 3-1 lead entering the final period.
Teenage sensation Jasmin Alcido played a crucial role in two of those goals, following the equalizer from Illeana Jimenez just before the 22nd-minute mark.
Alcido, 19, showcased her blazing speed to slot in the go-ahead goal at the 22:44 mark. Moments later, she delivered a swift centering pass that team captain Bianca Chavez buried into the net to extend the lead.
Iran, composed mostly of under-18 players, refused to go down quietly. Malileh Ali Beklou capitalized on a power play to cut the deficit to one, scoring with four minutes remaining in the second period.
Clinging to a narrow 3-2 lead in the third, the Philippines needed a clutch performance—and Alcido delivered.
With just over two minutes left, Kayla Aguirre found Alcido in space. The young forward didn’t hesitate, slipping the puck past Iranian goalie Sara Eslami for what would be the game-sealing goal — the biggest of her young international career.
The Philippines opened their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 15-0 rout of Kyrgyzstan, followed by convincing wins over the United Arab Emirates (6-1) and Malaysia (8-1).
They faced their toughest challenge against India but managed a hard-fought 4-1 victory, setting up the gold medal clash against fellow undefeated squad Iran.
With grit, poise, and a golden performance from their rising stars, the Filipinas have etched their names in the history books of Asian ice hockey.
