MANILA, Philippines – Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz expressed appreciation following the return of weightlifting in the sports roster of the upcoming Palarong Pambansa to be hosted by Ilocos Norte from May 24 to 31.
The Department of Education included weightlifting as a demo sport and added pole vault for secondary girls and pencak silat as regular events.
“I have long hoped for my sport to once again be part of the biggest national sporting event for student-athletes in the Philippines. Now, it’s finally happening,” said Diaz.
Diaz ended the Philippines’ near century-long search for an Olympic gold medal when she reigned supreme in the Tokyo Games in 2021.
She also bagged silver in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics as she represented the country in the Games’ four consecutive editions.
Her success on the world stage has spurred interest in the sport, with three weightlifters — Elreen Ando, Vanessa Sarno, and John Ceniza — donning the national colors in the Paris Olympics last year.
Together with husband Julius Naranjo, Diaz runs the HD Weightlifting Academy in Rizal, producing multiple medalists in the previous Batang Pinoy.
“Our learner-athletes are lucky. It is your chance to try out these sports,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara in Filipino.
Angara met with Diaz and pole vault star EJ Obiena last year to discuss the inclusion of their sports in the Palaro — their talks coming to fruition for the 65th edition of the annual showdown for elementary and high school athletes.
Diaz said the goal is to elevate weightlifting to regular Palaro status.
“The technical working group and I are doing our best, working hard on this, and hoping it will soon become a regular sport,” said Diaz.
Kickboxing will also be played as an exhibition sport.
Around 15,000 participants from the 17 regions and the National Academy of Sports are expected to see action in Ilocos Norte. – Rappler.com