Philippines secures additional medals during Asian Games competition
The Philippines made a strong start at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Astana, Kazakhstan on July 5, 2025, securing at least 13 medals, including six silvers and seven bronzes.
In the Youth 56kg category, Jerick Icon Castro from the Philippines won a silver medal in the snatch event with a lift of 105kg. Castro also competed in the clean and jerk event but did not place in the top three. In a different weight category, Jerick's fellow countryman Jerick Icon Castro won two bronze medals in the Youth 56kg category, one in the clean and jerk event (128kg) and one in the total event (233kg).
A standout performer of the day was Jhodie Peralta from Zamboanga City, who clinched five medals in the women's 53kg class at the Qazaqstan Arena. Peralta won silver medals in the snatch (84kg), clean and jerk (97kg), and total (181kg) events in the Youth category. In the Junior category, Peralta placed third in the snatch (84kg) and total (181kg) events, and fifth in the clean and jerk (97kg) event.
Prince Keil Delos Santos, a weightlifter from Angono, Rizal, competed in the Junior 60kg category. Delos Santos placed fourth in the Junior 60kg category snatch event (119kg) but finished seventh in the clean and jerk (135kg) and total (254kg) events.
Jhodie Peralta's total weightlifting score in both the Youth and Junior categories was 181kg, showcasing her impressive strength and versatility.
The Philippines' impressive medal haul on the second day of the competition added to the five medals earned on the first day, led by Angeline Colonia, bringing the total count to at least 13 medals (6 silvers and 7 bronzes) for the Philippines so far. The team's strong performance has secured them third place overall in the competition.
The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships will continue, and the Philippines' weightlifters are poised to add more medals to their tally. The country's success at the event is a testament to the growing strength and talent of Filipino weightlifters on the international stage.
In Manila, the city's hockey team is gearing up for an exciting season, aiming to replicate the Philippines' recent success in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, Jhodie Peralta from Zamboanga City, who recently clinched five medals at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, is considering a switch to hockey, inspired by her strength and versatility demonstrated in weightlifting.
