Leviste qualifies for fifth Asiad appearance

MANILA, Philippines — Olympian and Asian Games medalist Toni Leviste has qualified both of her horses, Lacoste 126 and Fanto, for the dressage competition of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games set Sept. 19-Oct. 4.

Leviste achieved the required minimum eligibility requirements (MREs) through FEI-recognized international competitions in Europe highlighted by CDI Brno in the Czech Republic and CDI Kronberg in Germany recently.

Leviste first represented the Philippines at the 1998 Asiad in Bangkok and was a member of the Philippine team that won silver in show jumping at the 2002 Busan Games.

She previously represented the Philippines at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, multiple FEI World Championships and the FEI World Cup Jumping Finals before transitioning to dressage in 2023.

“Representing the Philippines has always been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Qualifying Lacoste, my partner at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, and Fanto, a horse rescued from the war in Ukraine, for the Asian Games makes this achievement especially meaningful,” said Leviste.

The 2026 Asiad will mark Leviste’ fifth appearance in the continental meet.