Hidilyn Diaz arrived in Manila on Tuesday evening, bringing home a gold medal from the Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
An Airwoman 1st Class, Diaz proudly sported her prize over her Air Force uniform as she arrived together with other Filipino gold medalists form the event — golfers Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan and Kaye Go.
Diaz also won a silver medal in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics, making her one of the most decorated Filipino athletes in the country's history. She hopes her success paves the way for a brighter future for the sport that has given her numerous opportunities in life.
"Nabago ang buhay ko dahil sa weightlifting. Sana more opportunities sa mga bata sa weightlifting. More programs, more grassroot program for weightlifting rin," she said.
"Talagang pinag-pe-pray ko na malagay sa Palarong Pambansa, UAAP, NCAA, sa lahat ng mga league na pwedeng mailagay," she added.
A hero's welcome awaits Diaz at Air Force headquarters in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
The four athletes, honored in a ceremony with their proud parents, are expected to receive up to a P6 million in cash incentives for every gold medal.
According to the report, the they could possibly receive a greater sum for their triumphs. —Margaret Claire Layug/JST, GMA News
