Hidilyn Diaz: Women can also dominate sports

Champion weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz just proved that a woman can also make a name and leave a mark in the realm of weight lifting after she bagged the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games held in Indonesia.

"Siguro po ngayon po kasi nagdo-dominate ang babae sa sports, pinapakita natin na kaya din nating lumaban lalo na sa sports... Siyempre 'yung culture talaga natin parang babae hindi pwede sa ganito, so doon ko napatunayan na tayong mga babae kaya natin," Diaz said in an interview on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Wednesday.

"Gusto kong dalhin ang weightlifting, irepresenta ang bansa sa weightlifting. May personal dream ako na manalo talaga," Diaz added.

The Zamboanga City native, who lifted 92 kgs in the snatch category and 115 kgs in the clean and jerk event for a total of 207, attributed her victory to God.

"Siguro si God ang nag-guide sa akin papunta sa Olympics at ngayon sa Asian Games," Diaz said.

Diaz, who may receive a cash incentive of up to P6 million, said she would use the money to venture into business and to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"Gagamitin ko for business, para sa pamilya ko, para rin sa qualifying ko for Tokyo 2020... balak ko sumali sa Olympics, 55 kilos na po ang bubuhatin ko," Diaz said.

She is asking for prayers and support as the road to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics won't be easy.

President Rodrigo Duterte will likely give a cash incentive to Diaz for her triumph.

Diaz expressed gratitude to the Chief Executive for his support. She also thanked her countrymen who prayed for her success.

"Gusto ko pong pasalamatan ang presidente ng Pilipinas, si Mayor Duterte, mga taong-bayan na nag-pray at naniwala na kaya kong manalo sa Asian Games," Diaz said.

Duterte met Diaz in August 2016 when she made history as the first Filipino woman and Mindanaoan to win a silver medal in the Olympic Games, which she accomplished in the 2016 Rio Olympics. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News