Rose Jean Ramos sizzled early as she opened the country’s campaign with three silver medals in the women’s 45-kilogram division of the IWF Grand Prix II in Doha early Wednesday.
A two-time IWF Youth World Championships winner, Ramos registered 70 kgs in snatch and 85 kgs in clean and jerk for a total lift of 155 kgs to emerge with silver medals and pocket a cash prize of $500.
But more than that, she also earned valuable points for the Paris Olympics next year.
Meanwhile, Won Hyon Sim of North Korea reigned supreme after posting 82 kgs in snatch and 99 kgs in clean and jerk for a total of 181 kgs in the weight class where only two competitors saw action.
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella said bringing home a medal in every international competition is their way of giving back the support that the government had provided.
“When our kids go out to represent the country in the international field, we always look forward to gaining medals or they don’t go. It’s as simple as that,” Puentevella said.
“We do not want to waste government money. This is our task.”
Meanwhile, Rosegie Ramos missed the podium after a fourth-place finish in the women’s 49-kg event.
Ramos, who placed fifth in the same category in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, lifted a snatch of 88 kgs and a clean and jerk of 103 kgs for a total of 191 kgs.
Jiang Huihua of China asserted her dominance with three gold medals built around 96 kgs in snatch 120 kgs in clean and jerk for a total lift of 216 kgs.
Ri Song Gum of North Korea picked up a bronze after posting 93 kgs in snatch while copping the silver medals after notching 120 kgs in clean and jerk and 213 kgs in total lift.
Hou Zhihui, also of China, came in third with 113 kgs in clean and jerk and 209 kgs in total lift while plucking a silver medal in snatch with a lift of 96 kgs.
With this being one of the main qualifying tournaments for the Olympics, Puentevella said he wants the national lifters to come up with a strong finish to earn qualifying points.
“This tourney is a qualifier for the Paris Olympics next year. Second to the last. But our main goal here is not just winning medals,” Puentevella said.
“Qualifying for the Olympics is our priority and so far, so good. By the end of this Grand Prix, we’ll know our chances and it looks good for now.”
Meanwhile, former Southeast Asian Games silver medalist John Ceniza is competing in the men’s 61-kg event at press time.
The Philippines has a seven-man delegation in the tournament bannered by Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Asian Games bronze medalist Elreen Ando, who will be competing in the women’s 59-kg class on Saturday while former SEA Games gold medalists Vanessa Sarno and Kristel Macrohon are slated to vie in the women’s 71-kg event on Monday.
