Women in Sports Awards to honor over 50 athletes including Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo

The Philippines will honor its top female athletes at the inaugural Women in Sports Awards on March 20 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The event, co-organized by the Philippine Commission for Women and the Philippine Sports Commission, will recognize over 50 individual and team awardees.

Notable awardees to be feted as 'Flame Awardees' include Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez, skateboarder Margielyn Diaz, billiards icon Rubilen Amit, and mountain climber Carina Dayondon.

Tennis sensation Alex Eala and top Filipinas striker Sarina Bolden are the joint Athletes of the Year.

PSC Commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo stated that the awards are a tribute to national women athletes who have made the country proud and serve as examples of women's empowerment and gender equality.

Coo highlighted that these athletes are paragons of passion and dedication, inspiring fans and motivating others.

Diaz-Naranjo made history in 2021 by winning the country's first Olympic gold medal in weightlifting and is targeting another Olympic appearance in Paris.

Amit, a multiple SEA Games gold medalist and two-time world 10-ball champion, aims to leave a legacy by organizing the Amit Cup series.

Dayondon is recognized for being the first Filipina to conquer all 'Seven Summits' of the world.