Hidilyn Diaz eyes SEA Games comeback while building future of PH weightlifting

Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo isn’t hanging up her lifting belt just yet. Despite her growing responsibilities as a mentor and advocate for Philippine weightlifting, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist has been included in the national roster for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where she is expected to compete in the women’s 58kg division.

The 34-year-old lifter admitted that her training has intensified since her inclusion in Team Philippines’ lineup, though she balances it with her duties running the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Rizal and her involvement in grassroots programs such as the Palarong Pambansa, where weightlifting debuted as a demonstration sport earlier this year.

“Ngayon po kasi, naka-lineup ako for SEA Games. Pero titignan natin kasi malaking responsibilidad itong binigay sa akin sa Palarong Pambansa pero nagte-training pa rin ako,” Diaz said during the Sports Stakeholders Forum hosted by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Diaz, who won SEA Games gold in 2019 (Manila) and 2022 (Hanoi), last saw action in April 2024 at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, a Paris Olympic qualifier where she fell short of another Olympic appearance. That slot eventually went to Elreen Ando.

Will we see our golden lady back competing for the national team come the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand?

Well, there’s a big chance as she’s included in the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas line-up for the regional games #SEAGameshttps://t.co/eM5ex0iAwU

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) September 2, 2025

Now, shifting to a lower weight category, Diaz is motivated by the prospect of competing again while also ensuring the sport’s next generation is well-prepared.

 She recently partnered with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education to establish what will be the country’s largest weightlifting academy.

“Nagte-training ako the whole year pero ‘yung seryoso, sumasakit na ‘yung katawan ko. Kinakabahan na ako. Posible (mag-compete sa SEA Games),” Diaz admitted.

As she looks toward Thailand, Diaz-Naranjo finds herself in a rare position — not only chasing another medal for the Philippines but also shaping the future of the sport she has carried to unprecedented heights. 

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.