According to national sports official Ramon Fernandez, Hidilyn Diaz's (pictured) training in China costs about P4.5 million. “Kasama na doon ’yung physiologist, psychologist, masseuse, foreign coach, kasi we feel na potential na maka-gold siya sa Olympics,” Fernandez said. File photo
Champion weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz will have to sit down with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in order for the government to address her financial needs related to her preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Ramon Fernandez, the basketball great who is currently a PSC commissioner, said the government is willing to back Diaz because she is the country’s best bet to win its first Olympic gold medal.
Diaz recently took to social media asking for more funding.
“Kaya nga siya pinatawag ni (PSC) chairman Butch (Ramirez) para malaman kung ano pa ba ang iba niyang hinaing at tutulungan namin,” Fernandez said in an interview on DZMM Wednesday night.
“Medyo nagkamali lang siguro si Hidilyn sa panawagan niya, because ever since she started weightlifting, she has been supported by the PSC.
“In fact, we can back that up sa accounting natin sa PSC na this year alone naka-support na kami sa kaniya ng P4.5 million para sa training niya sa China.
“Kasama na doon ’yung physiologist, psychologist, masseuse, foreign coach, kasi we feel na potential na maka-gold siya sa Olympics,” Fernandez added.
Fernandez added that, apart from the salary she is getting from the Philippine Air Force, where Diaz is enlisted, there are also private entities supporting her, including the MVP Sports Foundation and Al Sons.
He said the PSC is willing to provide more in relation to her capacity as a national athlete.
“ ’Yung suporta ng PSC sa career niya, kompleto lahat. Maybe sa ibang pangangailangan niya, hindi natin alam, pero hindi na dapat sagot ng gobyerno ‘yan,” Fernandez said.
For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.