Hidilyn Diaz to formalize Tokyo Olympics entry in Uzbekistan tilt

Hidilyn Diaz, middle, with her team before flying to Uzbekistan for the Asian Weightlifting Championships. Photo from Hidilyn Diaz’s Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Hidilyn Diaz is out to formalize her entry in the Tokyo Olympics when she competes in the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan next week.

Diaz on Saturday left for Uzbekistan, which will host the Olympic qualifier from April 16 to 25.

“14 months of waiting. See you Uzbekistan! Represent the Philippines 🇵🇭 together with TeamHD in Asian Weightlifting Championships 2021. Pray for our safety and hope the team Philippines will perform well in Olympic Qualifying,” Diaz wrote on Instagram Saturday.

The 30-year-old Diaz departed from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she has been holed up since February of last year due to the lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diaz is looking at a fourth straight Olympic berth. She won the silver medal in the 53-kilogram class in the 2016 Rio Summer Games, ending the Philippines’ 20-year medal drought in the Olympics.

Participating in the Asian Weightlifting Championships will complete Diaz’s requirement of competing in six events to book a trip to Tokyo.