Philippine Weightlifting Optimistic for 2028 Olympics

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella expressed optimism about the Philippines' performance at the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics following recent successes in weightlifting.

During a Philippine Sportswriters Association forum, Puentevella highlighted that both China and the Philippines won five gold medals each in the International Weightlifting Federation Youth and Junior World Championships held last week in Lima, Peru, indicating a competitive future between the two countries.

Puentevella noted that despite having a smaller budget compared to China, the Philippines is closing the gap with more international exposure for young athletes like Hidilyn Diaz, who won the country's first Olympic gold medal.

National coach Patrick Cielo Lee and several other medalists also attended the forum, including Alexsandra Ann Diaz from Zamboanga City, Althea Bacaro from Cebu, and Angeline Colonia from Zamboanga City.

Puentevella emphasized that beating China in weightlifting competitions would secure an Olympic qualification and thanked Education Secretary Sonny Angara for supporting the sport's inclusion in the Palarong Pambansa as a demonstration sport.