Diaz expresses support for embattled PWA

DESPITE her recent success in international competitions, Olympic silver medalist and Asian Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz expressed her dismay over the current situation of weightlifting here in the Philippines.

In a letter addressed to Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, which was furnished to SunStar Cebu, the 27-year-old weightlifter from Zamboanga City explained that the weightlifting scene in the Philippines is in shambles with two NSAs fighting for power.

“It is known that our National Sport Federation is in chaos with two associations involved. I stand for Philippine Weightlifting Association (PWA) as the official and recognized association by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). It is very sad though that we, the athletes, are struggling and suffering from this dispute. I am releasing this statement that may help enlighten the current situation of my NSA,” she said.

Diaz cited Monico Puentevella who joined the picture as a leader in weightlifting without undergoing the necessary process.

Puentevella created the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas and tried to have it recognized under the POC.

“It is depressing how a sports leader uses weightlifting without promoting and expanding our sports, without a strategic plan, without a long- term program for the athletes, and without integrity,” said Diaz. “Mr. Monico Puentevella is creating further misfortune to our sport instead of upholding unity and peace should he really have/ had/has the heart for weightlifting in the country. He must voluntarily do what is right! He must undergo election process if he really wants to be the President.”

Diaz asked Ramirez’s help to fix the current situation of weightlifting here in the Philippines and hopefully build more Olympians, and medalists like her.

“When will these wrongdoing stop? Me, as the voice and face of Philippine athletes, stands for what is right for the sport, for weightlifting, and for the athletes. I am confident that you will help me on this matter as we are doing this for the future generations,” she said. “I am aiming to win in Tokyo 2020 and hoping that there will be a next Hidilyn Diaz or much better than Hidilyn Diaz in weightlifting, or in other sports. We must not stop the long term program that every elite athlete needs and we must always aim for excellence.”