GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Hidilyn Diaz graced the opening rites of the Batang Pinoy 2025 at the Acharon Sports Complex last Saturday as one of the torch bearers that lit the cauldron signifying the start of this multisport event for athletes aged 17 years old and below.
But she hasn’t left town.
Unbeknownst to casual sports fans, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist has become a regular fixture in these grassroots games including the ongoing Batang Pinoy as she has athletes from the weightlifting academy that she is running along with her husband Julius Naranjo.
READ Hidilyn Diaz Academy produces first Batang Pinoy gold medalist
These days, Diaz is called as ‘Coach Hidilyn’ as she mentors aspiring weightlifters from Jala Jala, Rizal where her academy is located, as well as in nearby localities.
Diaz is listed as an assistant coach behind Naranjo as they represent Jala-Jala, Rizal. But no mistake about it, Diaz takes the role seriously by being present during actual competitions.
Monday was no exception with Diaz on the sidelines with Naranjo at the Barangay Labagal Gymnasium where the weightlifting competitions are being held.
Her role as coach, Diaz said, brings fulfilment as she gives back to a sport that has been so good to her by helping the next generation of weightlifters live their dream.
“It’s fun, exciting, nakakanerbiyos. But it’s a fulfilling career. I’m happy to see the athletes performing well and doing their best for themselves,” said Diaz.
As to her coaching style, Diaz said she has been receiving feedback that she is the stricter between her and her husband Naranjo.
“Sabi ng mga athlete, mas kinakatakutan nila ako kesa kay Julius. Kasi si Julius, itsurang strikto pero mas strikto ako. ‘Yun ang sabi ng mga athlete namin,” said Diaz.
She may be strict but Diaz is also the same reason why young weightlifters took up the sport in the first place. Diaz is now seeing the fruits of their labor as HD Weightlifting Academy has produced champions in the Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa, the most recent of which is 14-year-old Stephanie Mandigma after she claimed the gold medal in the girls’ 40kg division on Monday.
“Thankful po ako na naging coach ko si Ma'am Hidy,” said Mandigma. “Kasi po kung wala sila, hindi ko makukuha ‘yung gold kasi sila po ‘yung nag-inspire sa akin.”
For his part, Naranjo said the weightlifting academy won’t be successful without the collaborative effort between the private and public sector.
“For us, the academy is starting to produce. We’ve been around for roughly three years. Our building has been around for two now. I think in three years, to produce winners in Palaro, to produce winners in Batang Pinoy, and national championship, I think it shows that what we are doing for the kids is working,” said Naranjo.
“But we can’t do it alone. We can’t do it without the support of the LGU, without the support of the PSC, and one of our biggest challenge right now is sustaining the gym we’ve build from the ground up.
"Sana, maybe after this Batang Pinoy, we’ll get some more sponsors. We do have some private sponsors, and we did get support from our mayor in Jala Jala. So it’s good. Sana din, Rizal province could give more support to our athletes in Batang Pinoy. In time, that will come."
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