By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Philippine Weightlifting Association (PWA) President Monico Puentevella expressed concern over the upcoming 2017 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur in August, as the sole qualifier in weightlifting from the Philippines is currently undergoing rehabilitation from an injury.
“It’s not good,” he said. “Nestor Colonia, an Asian Games gold medalist, suffered a minor injury several months ago and is undergoing rehabilitation.”
“I’m just hoping he can join the games,” Puentevella added.
It was previously reported, organizers of this year’s SEA Games scrapped women’s boxing and weightlifting, along with a host of other events. The decision barred 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Hidilyn Diaz from vying for a medal in the regional competition.
National women’s boxing team head coach Roel Velasco indicated his disappointment over Josie Gabuco not getting the opportunity to defend her title and potentially win her fifth gold medal.
“She could have earned her fifth gold medal in the SEA Games, that’s why I’m saddened with the event’s exclusion,” he said back in March./WDJ