The Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) is reaping the rewards of its grassroots program after the Philippines hauled 16 gold medals in the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

SWP president Monico Puentevella said in an episode of “Off the Court” on Thursday that he is confident the country’s young lifters will continue to improve and eventually become world-class athletes.

The Philippines finished the championships also with six silvers and nine bronzes across the youth and junior divisions.

“As far as weightlifting is concerned, if weightlifting will fight the best in the world, I believe we’ll prove that, and we will prove that more in the near future,” Puentevella said in the DAILY TRIBUNE weekly online sports show.

“Before, I was really worried when I started. Now, I’m very, very confident that these children we have in Cebu, in Zamboanga, in Davao, wherever else, will win medals.”

Puentevella, who helped guide Hidilyn Diaz to her historic Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, urged the young lifters to remain humble despite their recent success.

Albert Ian delos Santos made his mark by sweeping the men’s junior 70kg division with three gold medals, while Alexsandra Diaz dominated the women’s youth 49kg category with three golds.

“We are humble, but we are loved by the whole world. I am proud of our new weightlifters,” Puentevella said.

The former sports commissioner also said the federation is working to ensure a steady pipeline of young talent while making sure only the best lifters are sent to international competitions.

“That’s why I’m telling the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission), under chairman Patrick Gregorio, to keep your trust in weightlifting because we’ll pay you back with medals,” Puentevella said.

“If there are no medals, we bring them back to the province. But if there are medals, the fight continues, the joy continues.”