Zamboanga city: Zamboanga City continued to dominate weightlifting in the Batang Pinoy National Championships, securing two more gold medals on Monday at Labangal Gymnasium here.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cydrelle Jay Andalahao tallied 115 kilograms (kg) in the boys' 13 to 17 years old category, while Kyle Nathan Kue ruled the boys' 12 years old class with a total of 150kg. Zamboanga City now has four golds, including the medals won by Hero Anthon Alas-as (boys' 10 years old) and Jane Marie Manalo (girls' 10 years old) on Sunday.
Michael Joseph Bedio (boys' 11 years old), Mary Joy Coronel (girls' 11 years old), and Ainja Vidad (girls' 12 years old) bagged silver medals. Cebu City captured two golds from Kemuel Luke Ubanan (boys' 11 years old) and Shinichi Blythe Catingub (girls' 12 years old), while Rizal got one from Pep Samantha Agosto (girls' 11 years old).
"I am very proud of our achievements. It's all worth the sacrifices, resilience and hard work of our athletes and coaches," Zamboanga City head of delegation Cecilia Chavez Atilano, a former national lifter, said. Hidilyn Diaz, who delivered the country's first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games, has inspired a lot of young lifters, especially in her hometown Zamboanga City.
"I want to be like Ate Hidilyn, she's my idol," nine-year-old Alas-as, who started lifting weights when he was five, said. His coaches, Daniel and Rovyline Agustin, are the siblings of national team head coach Antonio Agustin, who trained Diaz in her younger years. "I'm excited and happy for winning the gold medal because I came here prepared," the Grade 4 student from Tugbugan Elementary School said.
He also won the same category at the National Open in Dumaguete City last June and the Hermosa Festival in Zamboanga City early this month. After two days of competition, the City of Manila emerged as the early leader in the medal tally as of posting time -- six golds, five silvers, and three bronzes. Defending champion Pasig City was second with 4-5-3, Quezon City third with 4-2-3, and the host with 4-1-3.
