Hidilyn Diaz leads officials' oath taking as weightlifting debuts in 2026 Palarong Pambansa

AGUSAN DEL SUR — The Philippines' first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz once again graced the Palarong Pambansa stage, leading the officiating officials' oath taking for the second straight year as the 2026 edition formally opened on Sunday at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Governor D.O. Plaza Sports Complex in the municipality of Prosperidad.

This year, however, carries even greater significance for Diaz.

For the first time, weightlifting will debut as a regular medal event in the Palarong Pambansa after being featured as a demonstration event last year in Ilocos Norte.

Much of that milestone came through the continued efforts of Diaz, who tirelessly pushed for weightlifting’s inclusion in the annual youth sporting event.

"Sa lahat nang naglalaro dito sa Palarong Pambansa 2026, kayang-kaya niyo 'yan. Enjoy the moment," Diaz said in a video greeting posted by the Department of Education.

"Enjoy 'yung nabuo niyong friendship dito and do your best kasi ito na 'yung last na step niyo para maging champion. Kayang-kaya niyo 'yan."

Last year, first Filipina Olympic gold medalist was personally on hand to witness weightlifting’s debut as a demonstration sport, while also serving as tournament director for the competition, where his nephew, Mathew Diaz, struck gold in the secondary boys' 48kg division.

A year after, weightlifting is formally listed as a medal event alongside 23 other regular sports.

—JKC, GMA News