Nephew of Hidilyn Diaz Takes Gold in Palarong Pambansa Weightlifting
MATTHEW DIAZ — The nephew of the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz, proudly followed in his aunt’s footsteps by winning the first-ever gold medal in weightlifting at the Palarong Pambansa on Monday, May 26, 2025. Competing in the secondary boys’ 48-kilogram category, Matthew lifted 73 kilograms in the snatch and 93 kilograms in the clean and jerk, achieving a perfect lift in both events.
Representing the Calabarzon Region, Matthew stood out among 70 athletes who participated in the debut of weightlifting as a demonstration sport at this year’s national games. His impressive performance not only earned him the gold medal but also marked a historic milestone for the sport at the Palarong Pambansa.
Generosmel Cortez of Region IX took home the silver medal, while Rayney Joy Espina from the National Capital Region claimed the bronze. On the same day, another young athlete, Chrisia Mae Tajarros from Eastern Visayas, made headlines by winning the first gold medal of the entire Palarong Pambansa 2025.
Meanwhile, Palarong Pambansa is an annual national sports event in the Philippines that brings together student-athletes from various regions across the country. Organized by the Department of Education, it serves as the biggest platform for young athletes in elementary and high school to compete in multiple sports, including athletics, basketball, swimming, volleyball, and now newer events like weightlifting.
More than just a competition, Palarong Pambansa aims to develop discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a healthy lifestyle among the youth. It also helps discover and train future national athletes who may one day represent the country in international sports. The event is held in different host provinces each year, allowing local communities to take pride in and support young Filipino talents. Palarong Pambansa is not only a celebration of sports but also a symbol of hope, unity, and the limitless potential of Filipino students from all walks of life.
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