DIAZ’S ASIAD GOLD PRAISED
So many well-wishers, including top executives of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), praise Hidilyn Diaz for winning the country’s first gold medal in the 18th Asian Games PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez says President Rodrigo R. Duterte is “ve
Top Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officials praised Hidilyn Diaz for clinching the country’s first gold medal in the ongoing 18th Asian Games.
PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said he relayed the good news to Malacañang as soon as he received word about Diaz’s golden feat in women’s weightlifting 53-kilogram event.
“The President is very happy and sends his congratulations,” Ramirez said in a statement Wednesday.
He earlier expressed to a friend his confidence that the country will win a gold through Diaz.
The Dabawenyo chairman added, “I am so happy that she once again proved herself worthy and allowed every one of us to be proud of being Filipinos.”
He went on saying, “Mabuhay ka Hidilyn! And to our athletes competing in the next days, you all have our respect, support and admiration. Laban atletang Pilipino!”
Ramirez also said that he reiterated to the athletes during a recent Mass at the Athletes’ Village in Jakarta that the government, through the PSC, will continue to support them in any way possible.
The PSC chief said he had seen how the athletes sacrificed and train to prepare for their competition. “Our athletes truly have hearts of champions.”
PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, on his Facebook post, said watching Diaz in tears while singing and saluting the country’s flag during the medal ceremony was a “heartwarming sight, one inspiring moment”.
The weightlifter from Zamboanga City, he said, brought joy to her countrymen back home and those from around the globe with her golden performance.
I am so happy that she once again proved herself worthy and allowed every one of us to be proud of being Filipinos. WILLIAM I. RAMIREZ PSC chairman