Phl lifters face formidable task

The Philippines will have to tweak its buildup as the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) released the roadmap for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella said it will be the Filipino lifters’ time to prove themselves as the first event in the qualifying window will be the IWF World Championships in Ningbo, China from 27 October to 8 November.

The new weight categories were also released as the men’s division will have the 65-kilogram, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg and +110kg.

Meanwhile, the female lifters will vie in the 53kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg, +86kg categories.

“Our lifters will have to adjust and they will be joining the Olympic qualifying soon, too. This will be the defining moment for them,” Puentevella told DAILY TRIBUNE.

The Philippines didn’t win a single medal in the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.

Elreen Ando finished in eighth place in the women’s 64kg category after lifting a total of 230kgs.

John Ceniza and Vanessa Sarno earned did not finish (DNF) remarks in the men’s 61kg and women’s 71kg events, respectively.

What is worse is that Ceniza and Sarno won’t be able to compete in the World Championships after they were slapped with two-year bans by the International Testing Agency after failing to comply with drug testing protocols.

Puentevella said the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last December in Thailand and the 20th Asian Games in Japan this September are stepping stones for their goal towards the Olympics.

“We’re ready for the Olympic qualifying rounds this new year. Two more years of sweat and agony for our lifters and we’re ready for the ultimate challenge,” Puentevella said.

“SEA Games and Asian Games are merely stepping stones. The Olympics is always our goal. Let God do the rest.”