GOLD WINNER. Jhodie Peralta of Zamboanga City (center) wins three gold medals in the Youth women's 49kg category of the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships at the Gautam Buddha University in New Delhi, India on July 30, 2023. The Philippines now has 16 gold, 10 silver and four bronze medals with two days left in the tournament. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Zamboanga City bets came up with another sterling performance on Sunday, winning eight gold medals in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships at the Gautam Buddha University in New Delhi, India.
Jhodie Peralta of Barangay Mampang topped the snatch (73kgs), and clean and jerk (87kgs) to register the best total (160kgs) in the Youth women's 49kg category, while 2022 SEA Games bronze medalist Rosegie Ramos ruled the snatch (83kgs), clean and jerk (99kgs) and total (182kgs) in the Junior division.
In the men's 61kg category, Universidad de Zamboanga student Albert Ian delos Santos bagged two gold medals in the Youth division -- clean and jerk (148kgs) and total (258kgs). The 5-foot-7 son of many-time SEAG medalist Alvin and coach Diwa, also secured two silver medals in the Junior division.
Faustino, born and raised in Barangay Pasobolong, won the silver medal in clean and jerk (97kgs) and total (172kgs) in the Youth women's 55kg category. She got the bronze in snatch (75kgs).
"We have won 16 golds so far in three days and we expect to hear our national anthem played again in the last two days of the competition. RP rules Asian weightlifting…to God be the glory!," Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.
Other Zamboanga athletes who have contributed to the country's medal haul are Angeline Colonia (Youth/Junior W45kg - three golds, one silver and one bronze), Alexsandra Ann Diaz (Youth W40kg - one gold), and Rose Jean Ramos (Junior W45k - one gold and two silvers).
Prince Keil delos Santos of Angono, Rizal had two golds and one bronze while Eron Borres of Cebu City bagged one gold, one silver and one bronze in the Youth men's 49kg category.
Meanwhile, Christian Rodriguez (M67kg) will compete on Monday while SEA Games double-gold medalist Vanessa Sarno (W71kg) will see action on August 2.
The Youth division is for athletes 13-17 years old while the Junior division is for 15 to 20 years old.
The Philippines collected 15 gold medals, including three from Sarno, during the 2022 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The other medalists were Faustino (3 golds), Rosegie Ramos (3 golds), Colonia (2 golds, 1 silver), Rose Jean Ramos (4 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze), Prince Keil Delos Santos (2 bronzes).
Prince Keil Delos Santos, Borres, Colonia, Faustino and Albert Ian Delos Santos are gold medalists at the 2023 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Youth World Championships in Durres, Albania. (PNA)
