All set for National Weightlifting Championships

CEBU, Philippines —  Everything is already in place for Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas’ National Open Championships that will take place tomorrow at the SM Seaside City in South Road Properties.

Over 200 lifters all over the country are expected to join the event.

 SWA president Monico Puentevella said that the goal is to find new talents for the national team while also reviving the masters division.

It was in the 70’s that the masters action was being done in the national event and SWP wants to bring it back to inspire the youth and also to give former standouts a chance to showcase their wares again.

Aside from the masters class, other divisions to be contested include the youth, junior, senior, secondary and tertiary. All classes except for the masters will have 10 weight categories each.

The masters division features seven weight categories with three age-brackets including the 35-44, 45-54 and 55 and above class.

Puentevella also said that this is a mandatory event for the national team members though Olympians Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia asked that they will just do an exhibition.

Right now, there are 23 members in the national pool with the rest hoping to make it to the Southeast Asian Games in Clarkfield Pampanga in November next year.

Aside from getting a chance to be included in the national pool, the winners will also get medals and cash prizes from the Philippine Sports Commission.