Manila: The Philippines secured an impressive haul of five additional medals on Sunday night at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Zamboanga City's own Jhodie Peralta dominated the Youth women's 53kg division by clinching the gold in the snatch with a lift of 86kgs, and she secured a silver in the clean and jerk with 102kgs, culminating in the best total of 188kgs. Peralta also excelled in the Junior category by capturing gold in the snatch and silver in the total.
According to Philippines News Agency, the nation's overall medal count has now reached 26, comprising 13 gold, six silver, and seven bronze medals, as the competition progresses through its third day. Monico Puentevella, president of Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP), expressed optimism for the future of Philippine weightlifting, emphasizing the potential Olympic prospects of these young athletes. In a statement, he acknowledged the contributions of coaches, parents, and sponsors such as the Philippine Sports Commission, MVPSF, ICTSI, Alphaland, and Sy Group, noting that with continued training and international exposure, the athletes are poised for further achievements.
In addition to Peralta's success, the Philippines' medalists include Alexsandra Ann Diaz with three golds and two bronzes, Jerick Icon Castro with three golds, Kirby Kent Alas-as with two bronzes, Prince Keil Delos Santos with one gold and two bronzes, Angeline Colonia with one gold and two silvers, Althea Bacaro with two golds, and Jay-r Colonia with two silvers and one bronze.
