The Philippines will send a lean but potent five-man weightlifting team in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Rising star Albert Ian delos Santos and two-time Olympian Elreen Ando will banner the national squad as she seeks to improve on her bronze-medal finish in the women’s 64-kilogram division of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in 2023.

Completing the squad are Rosegie Ramos, Kristel Macrohon, Eleaphraime Wacoy Limmong.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella believes Delos Santos could be one of the biggest surprises for the Philippines after his dominant showing in the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent last August.

The 20-year-old lifter swept the men’s junior 70kg division and even broke Asian junior records on his birthday, strengthening his case as one of the country’s brightest prospects.

“We’re now watching another Olympian in the making. He broke the Asian junior records on his birthday,” Puentevella told DAILY TRIBUNE in an online conversation.

“It makes him a threat in the forthcoming Asian Games in Nagoya. Thanks to his mama Diwa, who’s our national coach, and late papa Alvin, also an Asian Games lifter.”

The Philippines is seeking its first weightlifting gold medal in the Asian Games since Hidilyn Diaz struck gold in the 18th edition in Jakarta in 2018.

Puentevella said the Nagoya Asiad will also serve as an important gauge for the national lifters as they begin looking ahead to the qualification process for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The road, however, will not be easy.

Olympic champion Luo Shifang and world champion Pei Xinyi of China are expected to compete in Nagoya, providing the Filipino lifters with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s best.

“After the Asian Games, they will join the qualifying for the Olympics,” Puentevella said.