Lifters hope for early OQT details

MANILA, Philippines — Samahang Weightifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella has asked the International Weightlifting Federation to release the schedule and venues of the list of Olympic qualifying tournaments that were called off so everyone can make early preparations.

Puentevella made the request since the Philippines has two lifters who have legitimate chance at the Tokyo Games – 2016 Rio silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Kristel Macrohon.

Diaz is a step away from booking a berth to the quadrennial summer games as she ranks fourth – second technically since the first three are Chinese and only one per country can compete – of the 10 per weight category that will be chosen.

The 23-year-old Macrohon, a Southeast Asian Games gold medal winner like Diaz, lingers somewhere near the top 10 in her own division, and could snatch a spot with a strong performance in a tournament or two.