Fast-rising weightlifter Albert delos Santos was busy training in Jalajala, Rizal, when he received the news from his mother.

“I was speechless. I texted him and said, ‘Son, you were chosen as one of the flag-bearers. You and (boxer) Aira (Villegas).’ He even thought of his father and said, ‘What if he were still here?’” Diwa, the lifter’s mother, said.

“Now, my son is the one competing, and he’s even a flag-bearer. Of course, there’s pressure, but I’m also excited,” she added.

Delos Santos is just one of the 464 Filipino athletes vying for podium finishes in the 20th Asian Games in Japan.

The opening rites take place on 19 September at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

The training facility in Rizal also hosts Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and husband Julius Naranjo.

Delos Santos will lead a lean five-man weightlifting team that also includes Rosegie Ramos, Kristel Macrohon, Eleaphraime Wacoy Limmong and Asian Games bronze medalist Elreen Ando.

The weightlifting competition is scheduled from 23 to 29 September at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center.

Delos Santos enters the Asiad with strong credentials after winning three gold medals and setting multiple records in the men’s 70-kilogram category at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent last August.

He also won a silver medal at last year’s 33rd Southeast Asian Games, finishing behind reigning world champion Weeraphon Wichuma of Thailand.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella believes Delos Santos can emerge as one of the Philippines’ medal prospects in Nagoya, despite being among the youngest lifters in the competition.   Ivan Suing