By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippines is set to host the 2024 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships on Nov. 4 to 14 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella disclosed this on Saturday, May 11, after he and Asian Weightlifting Federation secretary general Mohammed Ahmed Alharbi signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday, May 10.
Puentevella said hosting the event is part of the association’s long-term program, especiallyfor the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“I’m proud to tell the Filipino that we’re now going higher and higher in weightlifting and we made a respectable performance already,” said Puentevella.
The youth and juniors’ events will have 10 categories for men and women in the 10-day tournament where more than 50 Asian countries and federations are expected to participate.
“I trust the Philippines to organize a good event in the Philippines, because they have great manpower and image,” Alharbi added.
If all goes well, Puentevella said the country might also be tasked to hold the Asian Youth Championship in the near future.
Rosegie Ramos, who competed in the previous edition in New Delhi, India, is expected to banner the PH crew along with Aron Morris, Alex Diaz, Jodie Peralta, Rosalinda Faustino, Albert and Prince Delos Santos, and Angeline Colonia.
The country has already produced three weightlifters to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics courtesy of Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza and Elreen Ando.
