BANGKOK, Thailand — Philippine weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo will lead a team of nine athletes at the Southeast Asian Games 2025 in Thailand next month, the Philippine Weightlifting Association confirmed.
Diaz-Naranjo, who won the country’s first Olympic gold medal in the 55kg category at the Tokyo Olympics, will compete in the 58kg category. The national team was finalized after selection trials and has been undergoing intensive training in preparation for the games.
The Southeast Asian Games, scheduled for December, will feature weightlifting events for both men and women. The Philippine athletes will compete against teams from 11 Southeast Asian countries, with events sanctioned by the International Weightlifting Federation.
The team will depart for Thailand ahead of the games to acclimate and finalize preparations. The Philippine Sports Commission has provided additional resources and training facilities to support the athletes.
Diaz-Naranjo expressed excitement about leading the team and participating in the games. The national coaching staff has focused on enhancing the athletes’ skills and techniques to maximize performance.
The Southeast Asian Games also serve as an opportunity for athletes to gain international experience, evaluate their performance, and qualify for future competitions.