By MARK REY MONTEJO
Since the golden lift of Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo in Tokyo Olympics four years ago, the number of weightlifting aficionados has gradually risen, especially now that it is added as a demo sport in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City.
Though the lifters failed to deliver in the 2024 Paris Games, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella is still optimistic the country would do well in the 2028 Los Angeles edition.
Proof? The country’s recent fruitful campaign in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Youth and Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru where Jay R Colonia led the haul of 10 golds, three silvers, and three bronzes.
“Malaki ang pag-asa ng bansa sa Los Angeles Olympics… tingin ko meron tayo do’n (mapadala) ng apat or lima,” said Puentevella. “Ang problema itong sa Peru, everybody wants me to continue for LA because may mga bata na prediksyon ko baka magkamedalya ulit para sa Pilipinas.”
In Ilocos Norte’s capital, more than 70 participants took part in 10 categories in elementary and secondary divisions. There, Hidilyn’s nephew Matthew Diaz starred after winning the first gold in 48kg boys.
Indeed, as the 16-year-old Colonia, bagged two golds and one silver in men’s youth 49kg, a feat that even International Weightlifting Federation president Mohammed Jaloud named him as the best lifter in his category.
Aside from the Zamboanga City native, Jodie Peralta and Ian Delos Santos copped five golds, while Alexsandra Diaz (2-0-1), Althea Bacaro (1-1-1), and Angeline Colonia (0-1-1) clinched podium finishes in their respective weight categories.
“In the World Youth last month, China won five golds, and the Philippines also got five. That’s why in LA, it’ll be a clash of Chinese and Filipino lifters,” Puentevell continued in Tuesday’s PSA Forum which Presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
“Ang Pilipinas, maliit lang ‘yong budget compared to China pero five golds din tayo. Before, ang layo natin sa China [tyaka] parang panaginip lang,” added the former Philippine Sports Commission who is a Bacolod native.
Less than a year ago, weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando, and John Ceniza donned the tricolors in the quadrennial meet where they fell short in their separate classes. It denied the Philippines its third consecutive metal production in the said sport after back-to-back medal wins by Diaz in Rio (silver) and Paris editions.
Though Puentevella knew, with the youngsters’ feat, the Philippines could reach greater heights in the sport.
“Talagang bilib ako ngayon, itong Asian Games, SEA Games, China versus Philippines, pag tinalo natin mga ‘yon kaya na natin ‘yong mga lifters sa ibang bansa,” he concluded.
Weightlifting as a regular sport in Palaro?
Joining Puentevella in the weekly forum was SWP official and coach Patrick Lee who also pinned hopes of weightlifting being a regular sport in Palarong Pambansa.
“After what happened in Laoag… palagay ko next year basta andyan lang si (DepEd Sec.) Sonny Angara, it’ll become a regular sport, nakita kasi nila na maraming interesado eh,” said Puentevella.
“May mga plans na madagdagan yong categories, as per Hidilyn, may balak damihan yung categories kung mas maraming sasali,” Lee added.
