Weightlifting debuts at Palarong Pambansa with Hidilyn Diaz's backing

Weightlifting debuted as a demonstration sport in the 65th Palarong Pambansa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, a significant step for grassroots development in the Philippines.

Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo spearheaded the integration of the sport, expressing gratitude to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Matthew Diaz of Region IV-A claimed the first gold medal in the secondary boys' 48kg division, with Generosmel Cortez of Region IX taking silver and Rayney Joy Espina of NCR securing bronze.

Over 70 high school lifters participated in the demonstration event, which aims to promote the sport and identify future Olympians.

Diaz views the re-introduction of weightlifting as a great start to introduce the sport across the country and expressed that it goes beyond medals and podiums if they truly want to see the sport flourish.

She finds motivation in encouraging every child through weightlifting despite the challenges of working across all 17 regions for the Palarong Pambansa.