Zambo weightlifters reap 5 gold, 1 silver in Asian Weightlifting championship

Zamboangueño weightlifter Nestor Colonia (Photo from Colonia’s Facebook account)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Zamboangueño weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia brought honor and fame to the Philippines anew when they bested their rivals in the Asian Weightlifting Championship.

The Asian Weightlifting Championship started September 3 and is set to end on Saturday, September 12.

Professor Elbert Atilano, one of the Philippine team coaches, said Diaz harvested three gold medals in the senior men and senior women category while Colonia reaped two gold medals and one silver medal 56-kilogram (kg) category men’s division.

Atilano said that Colonia won the first ever gold medal in the Asian Senior Championship Games.

The Asian Weightlifting Championship was participated by 44 Asian countries.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar conveyed her message of gratitude and commendation to the two Zamboangueño weightlifters saying they made this city very proud.

Salazar likewise lauded the coaches of the team that include Atilano and Aldanete Alfonsito for working equally hard to achieve the most coveted gold medals.

Both Diaz and Colonia also won medals in the Southeast Asian Weightlifting Championships held also in Thailand last June 26.

Diaz was a gold medallist in the 53-kg category and Colonia won a bronze medal in the 56-kg category.