Jhodie Peralta wins 5 medals in Asian weightlifting

GOLDEN GIRL: Jhodie Peralta of Zamboanga City (right) wins three golds and two silver medals in the women 53kg division of the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Sunday night (Aug. 9, 2026). At left is national coach Allen Jayfrus Diaz. (Contributed photo)

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines grabbed five more medals Sunday night at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Zamboanga City pride Jhodie Peralta ruled the snatch (86kgs), placed second in clean and jerk (102kgs) and had the best total of 188kgs in the Youth women’s 53kg division. She also took the gold in snatch (86kgs) and the silver in total (188kgs) in the Junior category.

The Philippines now has 26 medals (13 golds, six silvers and seven bronzes) after three days of competition.

“This is the future of Philippine weightlifting. Some of these young lifters are on their way to the Olympics. The future looks bright,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella in an interview Monday.

“I thank the coaches and their parents and our sponsors, Philippine Sports Commission, MVPSF, ICTSI, Alphaland, and Sy Group, With more training and international exposure, they will win more medals. Nowhere to go but up. We have gained the world’s respect,” he added.

The other medalists are Alexsandra Ann Diaz ( 3 golds, 2 bronzes), Jerick Icon Castro ( 3 golds), Kirby Kent Alas-as (2 bronzes), Prince Keil Delos Santos (1 gold, 2 bronzes), Angeline Colonia (1 gold, 2 silvers), Althea Bacaro (2 golds), and Jay-r Colonia (2 silvers, 1 bronze). (PNA)