Ramirez says Diaz has full gov’t backing in Olympic quest

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) revealed on Tuesday that weightlifting’s Hidilyn Diaz is one of the most heavily supported national athletes in the country.

PSC Chair Butch Ramirez explained that the Olympic silver medalist receives one of the highest allowances in the national pool aside from the government sports agency’s consistent approval of the requirements needed in her Olympic journey.

“The government has been very supportive,” said Ramirez, in the wake of reactions to Diaz’s social media post clamoring for financial help as she prepares for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

In an Instagram story, Diaz said she is hoping her training gets more funding, particularly from the private sector, as she hopes to bring glory to the country.

The PSC clarified that from its end, it has done everything to help Diaz’s bid for the country’s first Olympic gold medal.

For the first five months of the year alone, the PSC has shelled out P4.5 million to fund the weightlifter’s foreign training.

The agency has also been shouldering the expenses for her foreign coach, Julius Kaiwen Gao, specifically the latter’s monthly salary and food allowance, among others.

The requests for funding by the Philippine Weightlifting Association, Diaz’s national sport association, for local and international competitions were also approved.

“Hidilyn receives support from the PSC and the Philippine Air Force being an enlisted personnel,” said Ramirez.

But Diaz may have a point about needing more help from the private sector.

Apart from the MVP Foundation and Alcantara and Sons, there has been little momentum from the private sector to back what could be the country’s best hope for a gold in Tokyo, where she will be competing in a lower weight class.

Diaz is an Olympic silver medalist. She placed second in Brazil in 2016.