Diaz kicks off Malaysia training

MANILA, Philippines — Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz flies today to Malaca, Malaysia to start her training and preparation for the 2021 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships set Dec. 7-17 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abaraham Tolentino along with his wife, Tagaytay City Mayor Agnes Tolentino, hosted a sendoff for Diaz at the Grandmaster Hotel Thursday.

“It’s all about expressing her gratitude to everyone before she goes to Malaysia to resume her training for the world championships,” said Tolentino. “She thanked everyone and we talked about many things.”

The congressman from Tagaytay also used the event to convince the 30-year-old Diaz to go for the Olympic mint one last time in the 2024 Paris Games.

But Diaz remains undecided but has committed to represent the country in the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games and Hangzhou Asian Games next year.

“I believe she will still be formidable at that time,” said the PhilCycling chief.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella said Diaz will be joined by Tokyo Olympian Elreen Ando, Vanessa Sarno and Kristel Macrohon in the Tashkent meet.

“Mayroong national coach sa kanilang probinsya ang mga bata,” said Puentevella.