The Philippines is set to field a 13-athlete squad at the 2026 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from August 7 to 14, with the country’s rising stars aiming to make their mark against the continent’s best young lifters.
Headlining the Philippine contingent is Albert Delos Santos of Zamboanga City, who enters the competition riding a wave of confidence after a historic campaign at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Junior Championships in Ismailia, Egypt, in May. Delos Santos captured the men’s 71-kilogram title and set a new junior world record in the clean and jerk, cementing his status as one of Asia’s brightest weightlifting prospects.
Joining him is fellow Zamboangueño Mango Prince David Tarro, who is determined to turn years of steady progress into a podium finish in what will be his final appearance at the Asian Youth and Junior Championships.
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Competing in the men’s 65kg division, Tarro has steadily climbed the international ranks but has narrowly missed out on a medal in recent major competitions. He placed ninth at this year’s IWF World Junior Championships and finished seventh at the 2025 Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships.
Now 19 years old, Tarro believes the upcoming tournament presents the perfect opportunity to break through.
“Gusto ko kasi manalo talaga this year kasi gusto ko bumawi. Last year kasi 7th place lang ako sa category ko, then now gusto ko magka-medal talaga. Medyo kinakabahan ako sa training pero pursigido ako kasi last year ko na din ito para sa Junior Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships,” Tarro said during a media interaction.
Unlike previous campaigns, Tarro feels far more prepared heading into this year’s continental meet. He credited coaches Diwa Delos Santos and Julius Naranjo, as well as Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, for helping him maximize his potential through improved training and technical refinement.
“This time kasi nung nag-compete ako wala din ako sa condition, kulang sa preparation ‘yung katawan ko at ‘yung training ko kaya hindi rin maganda ‘yung naging resulta ng competition ko. Then this year, sa tulong nila coach Julius, coach Diwa, at ate Haidie, tinutulungan nila akong mas mag-improve at mailabas ang potential ko para sa laro,” he explained.
Tarro also believes his experience at the World Junior Championships in Egypt provided valuable lessons that have strengthened both his confidence and determination.
Facing many of the world’s top young lifters showed him the level required to compete for medals, while also proving that he has the ability to challenge the best with the right preparation.
“Magandang experience din ‘yun kasi Worlds kasi ‘yun. Mas maraming kalaban at mas marami akong nakilalang malalakas na atleta sa category ko. Isa din ‘yun sa nag-motivate sa akin na kaya ko palang mag-medal, kahit may kulang pa. Kaya nitong Asian Championships gusto ko pang mas galingan para maipakita na kaya ko talaga,” he said.
Tarro takes immense pride in representing Zamboanga City, a community that has become synonymous with Philippine weightlifting after producing Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz. Inspired by the achievements of Diaz and fellow Zamboangueño Olympian Nestor Colonia, the young lifter hopes to continue the city’s rich tradition of producing elite weightlifters.
“Gusto ko hindi lang basta sabihin na Zamboangueño ako. Gusto kong ipakita na bilang Zamboangueño, kaya kong mag-medal kasama ng mga teammate kong taga-Zamboanga,” Tarro said.
Like many aspiring athletes, Tarro dreams of one day competing on the Olympic stage. He credits Diaz not only as an inspiration but also as a mentor who has helped shape both his mindset and technical development.
“Basic naman ‘yun para sa isang atleta, ang maging Olympian. Idol ko kasi si kuya Nestor Colonia. Ako, gusto ko ding maging Olympian at magka-medal sa world stage. Si ate Haidie naman ang naging mentor ko. Tinuturuan niya ako kung paano i-set ang mindset ko at kung paano pagandahin ang technique ko. Kapag may mali ako, kino-correct niya ako. Natutuwa ako na nandiyan siya para i-guide ako sa training at paghahanda ko para sa competition,” he concluded.
With a talented squad led by world champion Albert Delos Santos and an ambitious group of emerging lifters eager to prove themselves, the Philippines will be aiming for another strong showing in Tashkent as the next generation of Filipino weightlifters continues its rise on the international stage.
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