Philippine lifters vie in Pattaya

MANILA, Philippines — Ten national lifters will participate in this year’s International Weightlifting Federation World Championships to be held in Pattaya, Thailand from Sept. 18-27.

Headed by 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Olympian Nestor Colonia, this Olympic qualifying event will also feature Mary Flor Diaz (45kg), Elien Rose Perez (49kg), Margaret Colonia (59kg), Elreen Ann Ando (64kg), Kristel Macrohon(71kg) for women and John Ceniza (55kg), Dave Pecaldo (61kg) and Jeffrey Garcia (73kg) for men.

Coaches Ramon Solis and Greg Colonia will join the aspirants, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

“We are quite happy to see these kids battle the best lifters in the world. This will be a stepping stone for them who aspire to join the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and also the Paris Olympics in 2024. All these years, we only brought Hidilyn and Nestor to these qualifiers and the past Olympics but now, we have 10 lifters. We’re on our way. Para sa bayan ito”, exclaimed weightlifting chief and the only Filipino who became Asian Weightlifting president, Congressman Monico O. Puentevella.

This same group will represent the country in the forthcoming Southeast Asian Games.