By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) President Monico Puentevella believes they can win at least two gold medals in the 31st Hanoi Southeast Asian Games slated next month.
Puentevella made this assessment Tuesday, saying that their national lifters can also win a maximum of four to five medals in the said biennial edition.
With his prediction, the nationals can maintain or eclipse its previous finish in the 2019 meet where the team clinched two gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
“I trust in my coaches and our athletes that they can achieve this,” Puentevella said in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Online Forum.
Puentevella said Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, will spearhead the PH bid along with fellow Tokyo Olympic Elreen Ando, Kristel Macrohon and Vanessa Sarno.
But it is easier said than done.
“I know Vietnam is doing well, and babalik din ang Thailand in the SEAG. But I know some of our athletes can also pull off surprises, hindi lang dun sa mga atleta na nabanggit ko,” Puentevella said.
Completing the SEAG-bound squad are Fernando Agad Jr., Rowel Garcia, Nestor Colonia, Lemon Denmark Tarro, John Kevin Padullo, John Dexter Tabique, Mary Flor Diaz, Rosegie Ramos and Margaret Colonia.
The team will compete in 13 of the 14 events at stake.
Puentevella also said the SEAG will also serve as a springboard to their campaign in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September and the world championships in a still undetermined venue in November.
