MANILA – The Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) announced Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, its roster for the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG) scheduled Oct. 22-31 in Bahrain.
Jhodie Peralta, Princess Jay Ann Diaz, Alexsandra Ann Diaz, and Jay-r Colonia of Zamboanga City, Jerick Icon Castro of Angono, Rizal; and Dave Angelo Pacaldo of Bohol will see action in the tournament for athletes 14 to 17 years old.
SWP president Monico Puentevella will lead the team, which also includes coaches Gregorio Colonia, Patrick Lee, Allen Jayfrus Diaz, and Kelle Kay Rojas.
Three of the lifters won medals at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, last month. They are Peralta (three silvers in Youth and 2 bronzes in Junior women’s 53 kg.), Princess Ann Diaz (one silver and two bronzes, Youth women’s 44 kg.), and Alexsandra Ann Diaz (one silver and one bronze, Youth women’s 48 kg.).
“I think they have a chance to win medals in Bahrain,” said coach Allen Jayfrus Diaz, who has been training her daughter Princess and niece Ann, and Jhodie since they were young.
“They are in good condition. We will be coming to Manila on Aug. 20 to continue our preparation,” added the first cousin of Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist.
Weightlifting is among the 34 sports featured in the event organized by the Olympic Council of Asia.
The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. / PNA