MANILA — Filipina Olympian Hidilyn Diaz is proud to contribute to another momentous step in the weightlifting scene in the country.
The Philippines’s first Olympic gold medalist is continuing to do her part in elevating the sport on home soil, as Diaz is currently serving as weightlifting’s tournament director in its reintroduction as a demonstration event in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa.
“[This] means more young Filipinos will finally get to experience the strength and spirit of this sport,” Diaz said in a social media post, while also emphasizing the importance of focusing on grassroots development.
“What I’ve come to realize is this: If we truly want weightlifting to grow, we need to go beyond medals and podiums. We need to go to the grassroots — to the places where kids have never touched a barbell, yet carry the same fire and potential I once had,” she said.
“We’re working across all 17 regions for the Palarong Pambansa. Yes, it’s challenging. Nakakapagod din. But it’s fulfilling — because this is more than just lifting weights.”
“Because this isn’t just about lifting weights. It’s about lifting dreams. Showing every child that they are strong, capable, and deserving of a chance to chase something bigger. This is my why. This is my mission. And I’m here to keep showing up — for the next generation of lifters and for the future of Philippine weightlifting,” she added.
Coincidentally, it was Diaz’s nephew who emerged victorious in the Palaro’s secondary boys 48kg class.
CALABARZON’s Matthew Diaz lifted 73kg in snatch and 93kg in clean and jerk to rule their division, while Generosmel Cortez of Region IX, and Rayney Joy Espina of National Capital Region (NCR) earned silver and bronze, respectively.