The Philippines won 25 medals at the Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships in Qatar. The Filipinos finished third in the Youth category, behind Vietnam (9-10-6) and India (6-2-4), with five golds, seven silvers, and six bronzes.
With three silvers and four bronzes, the Philippines finished fifth in the junior division, behind Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei.
Biggest winners
One of the major victors was Aldrin Colonia of Zamboanga City, who won two golds (clean and jerk, total) and a silver in snatch in the youth men's 49kg division.
In the youth women's 55kg division, Jhodie Peralta, who is also from Zamboanga, won two golds (snatch, total) and a silver (clean and jerk).
Eron Borres of Cebu City took home the gold in the youth men's 49kg division.
Prince Keil Delos Santos of Angono, Rizal, for his part, won three silvers and three bronzes in the youth men's 55-kg class.
Future of the sport
This stint served as a precursor to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, according to Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella.
“This was a successful campaign and a stepping stone for Los Angeles 2028. Other countries like India and Vietnam are catching up, so we need to intensify our efforts,” Puentevella said.
Athletes between the ages of 13 and 17 compete in the Youth division, while those between the ages of 15 and 20 compete in the Junior category.
