Hidilyn Diaz is planning to return to Malaysia by September to resume her training for the World Championship in Lima, Peru scheduled in November.
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puentevella disclosed this Tuesday, adding that Diaz and her strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo plan to leave by Sept. 20.
“She is going back to Malaysia para talagang mag-training for the world championship. Gusto niyang mag-medalya doon,” said Puentevella during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Online Forum Tuesday.
Malaysia has been Diaz’s second home for the past years for her training towards the Tokyo Olympics, where she became the first Filipino to bring home the Olympic gold medal.
Puentevella said Diaz’s short-term plans include competing in the world championships, then the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games next year.
While eyes are on Diaz to sustain Philippine weightlifting’s drive in the international scene, Puentevella said they are looking at young lifters to join Diaz to the world championships by holding a national open.
Though it has yet to be finalized, Puentevella said the national open will be a tryout for the world championship.
“Gusto ko na hanggang bata pa lang, maranasan na nila yung mga pinagdaanan ni Hidilyn. Kung bakit siya naging successful ngayon. Na kahit mabugbog sa una pa lang, ang mahalaga mapagdaanan nila yon,” said Puentevella.