FILIPINA weightlifters came out with huge performances in the just-concluded Asian Youth and Juniors Weightlifting Championships in Uzbekistan.

Elreen Ann Ando won two silver medals and a bronze in the 63-kilogram division while Ma. Dessa delos Santos captures a silver in the snatch and bronze for the clean and jerk category of the 58 kg.

Elien Rose Perez finished bronze medal in the snatch category of the 53 kg.

Monico Puentevella, president of the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (formerly the Weightlifting Association of the Philippines), said that international competition is the key to success.

“That's the only way. All national sports associations (NSAs) should do this. This is how we raised Hidilyn Diaz,” he said. “It doesn't matter if you keep losing at the start. The younger, the better. That's why we conceptualized Batang Pinoy. It’s the only way to produce our champions,” he added.

Puentevella said that among the country’s weightlifters hailed from Zamboanga, Cebu, Bohol, and Manila.(HGD)