The Philippines will be sending six weightlifters to the 3rd Asian Youth Games on Oct. 22 to 31, 2025 in Bahrain. Among the six are (from left) Princess Jay Ann Diaz, Alexsandra Ann Diaz and Jhodie Peralta – all medalists at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan last month. (Contributed photo)
The Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) has officially named the powerhouse squad that will represent the country in the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), set for October 22 to 31 in Bahrain.
Six young athletes — Jhodie Peralta, Princess Jay Ann Diaz, Alexsandra Ann Diaz, and Jay-r Colonia from Zamboanga City, Jerick Icon Castro from Angono, Rizal, and Dave Angelo Pacaldo from Bohol — will don the national colors in the competition for athletes aged 14 to 17.
Leading the delegation is SWP president and longtime sports advocate Monico Puentevella, joined by coaches Gregorio Colonia, Patrick Lee, Allen Jayfrus Diaz, and Kelle Kay Rojas.
This isn’t just another tournament for these young lifters — it’s a proving ground. Three of them already made their mark last month at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. Peralta brought home three silvers in the Youth division and added two bronzes in the Junior women’s 53kg. Princess Jay Ann Diaz lifted one silver and two bronzes in the Youth women’s 44kg, while Alexsandra Ann Diaz secured one silver and a bronze in the Youth women’s 48kg.
Coach Allen Jayfrus Diaz, a cousin of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and mentor to both his daughter Princess and niece Alexsandra, is optimistic.
“Our lifters are in great shape,” said Diaz. “They’ve been training hard for this, and I believe they have what it takes to bring home medals from Bahrain.”
The team is set to regroup in Manila on August 20 to continue their final preparations.
Weightlifting is among the 34 sports featured at the AYG, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia. More than just medals are on the line — the tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
With talent, momentum, and a legacy of champions behind them, the young Filipino lifters are ready to make their mark on the continental stage.