Hidilyn Diaz asks for prayers for Nesthy Petecio as boxer aims for Olympic gold

Even though Hidilyn Diaz has returned to the Philippines, she continues to support her fellow Tokyo Olympians from far away.

In a Facebook post, Diaz asked for prayers and support for boxer Nesthy Petecio, who is now just one win away from an Olympic gold medal.

"Congratulations champ," Diaz said. "May isa pang laban sa Aug 3. Nood po tayo at ipag-pray natin [ang] laro ni Nesthy at ng ibang Filipino athletes."

Diaz is the Philippine's first-ever gold medalist, ending a 97-year drought since the country first competed in the Olympics.

Petecio has the chance to make it two gold medals for the country, after securing a place in the gold medal match of the women's featherweight division on Saturday.

Petecio advanced to the finals by outdueling Italy's Irma Testa in the semifinals.

With Diaz's gold and Petecio assured of at least a silver medal, the Philippines is assured of a multi-medal performance for this year's Summer Games. This is the first time the country made the feat after doing it for the first time since 1932.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News