Camille Naredo

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio takes a selfie with Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz during the HD Liftoff 2026 in Makati. PSC Media


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HD Liftoff 2026

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787039975757IMG_6121.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio takes a selfie with Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz during the HD Liftoff 2026 in Makati. PSC Media"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio takes a selfie with Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz during the HD Liftoff 2026 in Makati. <em>PSC Media</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA—Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz&#x27;s showcase for weightlifting will soon play a role in producing and nurturing the country&#x27;s future champions, the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission said on Tuesday.</p><p>PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio was in attendance last weekend at the HD LiftOff 2026 in Glorietta, which saw young lifters compete in various age categories. </p><p>&quot;HD LiftOff is a launchpad for tomorrow&#x27;s champions. The young lifters who stepped onto the platform this weekend are the future of Philippine sports, and this event gives them the confidence to dream bigger,&quot; said Gregorio.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/7/30/hd-liftoff-competition-aims-to-bring-world-class-weightlifting-in-august-0800">READ: HD LiftOff competition aims to bring world-class weightlifting in August</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/8/15/-kaya-natin-hidilyn-diaz-turns-emotional-as-hd-liftoff-weightlifting-competition-kicks-off-2336">READ: Hidilyn Diaz turns emotional as HD LiftOff weightlifting competition kicks off</a></div><p>Diaz had been visibly moved by the turnout for the event, and emphasized the importance of giving young lifters a stage to shine.</p><p>&quot;Kaya pala ng weightlifting community na magdaos ng isang competition dito mismo sa Glorietta… Napatunayan natin na lahat ng akala nating imposible ay nagiging possible,&quot; said Diaz, who won the Philippines&#x27; first Olympic gold in the pandemic-delayed Summer Games in Tokyo in 2021.</p><p>&quot;Masaya ako na makita ang mga bata na mahawakan ang Eleiko barbell at maranasan ang tunay na competition set-up. Ito ang simula ng mas malawak na pag-angat ng weightlifting sa bansa,&quot; she added.</p><p>Among those who participated in the tournament were Samantha Diaz, Hidilyn&#x27;s niece, who clinched second place in her category (Youth U12 girls), and Asian junior champion and continental record-holder Albert Ian Delos Santos in the open division.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/7/30/hidilyn-diaz-continues-to-spread-weightlifting-lift-up-next-generation-1915">READ: 5 years since Olympic gold, Hidilyn Diaz continues to spread weightlifting, lift up next generation</a></div><p>Rising talents likewise impressed with strong lifts as well as veteran lifters who delivered inspiring performances in the masters division.</p><p>The HD LiftOff, staged in a bustling mall venue, drew crowds of casual shoppers and sports fans alike.</p><p>&quot;Every great athlete begins with a first lift. By staging HD Liftoff, Hidilyn has created the perfect springboard for our youth to rise, compete, and eventually carry the nation&#x27;s flag on the world stage,&quot; said Gregorio.</p>

<p>Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz's showcase for weightlifting will soon play a role in producing and nurturing the country's future champions, the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission said on Tuesday.</p>

Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz's showcase for weightlifting will soon play a role in producing and nurturing the country's future champions, the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission said on Tuesday.

PSC chief sees Hidilyn Diaz's 'LiftOff' as launchpad for future champions

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PSC chief sees Hidilyn Diaz's 'LiftOff' as launchpad for future champions

ABS-CBN News

Published August 18, 2026 04:01 PM PHT

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weightlifting

Hidilyn Diaz

HD Liftoff 2026

Philippine Sports Commission

PSC

Patrick Gregorio

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