Tokyo Olympics: Hidilyn Diaz ‘honoured’ by praise as Asian body says Games go-ahead was ‘correct’ decision
- Weightlifter Diaz vows to ‘continue inspiring Filipinos’ after historic gold medal
- Olympic Council of Asia says she ‘produced one of the highlights of the Games’, as it basks in bumper medal haul of member nations
Mr Husain Al Musallam, the OCA’s director general, congratulated the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo organisers, saying the decision to go ahead with the Games in 2021 despite the Covid-19 pandemic was the correct one.
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The Philippines welcomes home nation’s first Olympic gold medallist, Hidilyn Diaz
Al Musallam also praised OCA member countries, especially China and Japan after their medal rush over the past two weeks.
“I feel very honoured that the OCA has recognised my achievements as well as other Asian athletes,” Diaz told the Post. “I hope to continue inspiring Filipinos, showing them that with hard work and dedication they too can achieve their dreams.”
The 30-year-old Diaz ended the Philippines long wait for their first Olympic gold medal when she made the winning lift on July 27 to take the title. After taking silver in the 53kg category at the 2016 Rio Games, Diaz’s victory sent the Philippines into raptures.
Although boxer Eumir Marcial was among the favourites to win gold, he finished with a bronze and Diaz remains the only Filipino who has stood at the top of the podium in the Olympics. Al Musallam said her triumph was one of the high points of the Games.
