PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Filipino lifters go into action on Saturday, just two days after arriving from the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jinju, South Korea.
Despite the absence of Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, hopes are high that the country can surpass the two golds, one silver and one bronze it won last year in Hanoi, Vietnam.
“They will do very well. They will get gold medals, too,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella, adding that their stint in South Korea provided them good exposure.
Competitions start at the taekwondo hall of the National Olympic Stadium at 10 a.m. (11 a.m. Philippine time). Angeline Colonia (women’s 45-kilogram), Lovely Inan (women’s 49kg) and John Febuar Ceniza (men’s 61kg) taking the floor.
Tipped to win golds are Vanessa Sarno and Olympian Elreen Ando.
Completing the national team are Kristel Macrohon (women’s +71kg), Rosalinda Faustino (women’s 55kg), Dave Lloyd Pacaldo (men’s 67kg) and John Dexter Tabique (men’s 89kg).
