She returns to the country where all her and the rest of the nation’s dreams came true more than five years ago.
On Friday, September 18, the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medalist and weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz participated in the torch relay activity in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan for the upcoming 20th Asian Games, which will open on Saturday, September 19.
“Keep the fire burning,” she said to the country’s 447-strong delegation in the regional meet as she fulfilled her role as a torchbearer.
Being in Japan for this activity is also a sentimental act for Hidilyn, who was able to clinch the first-ever gold medal for the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that was held in July 2021.
Meanwhile, for this Asiad, leading the pack is the trio of equally-iconic and double gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympic games Carlos Yulo, women’s tennis world no. 18 Alex Eala, and pole vault world no. 11 EJ Obiena.
Yulo is locking himself in to clinch his first gold in the Asiad, while Eala is looking to secure hers as well after winning bronze in the singles and mixed doubles event in the 2023 edition in China. Obiena, for his part, is seeking to defend his throne in his sport.
Other confirmed athletes are Annie Ramirez (Jiu-jitsu), Daniel Caluag (BMX), Kayla Sanchez (Swimming), Albert delos Santos (Weightlifting), Tacoma Mangin (Taekwondo), and Gilas Pilipinas (Men’s basketball).
In boxing, Olympians Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Aira Villegas will all be part of the contingent.
Meanwhile, during the recent send-off of the athletes, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio announced an additional PHP6,000 allowance to the Asiad and Para Asiad’s current allowance. This is a boost of morale as Team Philippines aims to surpass the previous edition’s medal hauls.
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games will take place at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium on Saturday, September 19. In the Philippines, the games will be aired by Cignal.
