Tokyo Olympics: Eumir Marcial feels love from Hidilyn Diaz, Manny Pacquiao as Filipino chorus roots for boxer’s gold medal push

The 25-year-old is Philippines’ second medal hope at Tokyo 2020, after weightlifter Diaz took a historic gold

Marcial and Diaz are both members of the Philippines Air Force, which is still reeling from a tragic plane crash this month

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Eumir Marcial of the Philippines has received support from famed Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao. Photo: Reuters

Published: 1:21pm, 30 Jul 2021Updated: 5:12pm, 30 Jul 2021

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Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and freshly-minted Filipino gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz have thrown their voices into the growing chorus of support for Eumir Marcial’s own medal push at Tokyo 2020.

Weightlifter Diaz returned home to the Philippines to a hero’s welcome before being jettisoned off to quarantine in Manila for seven days, and has offered her support to her countryman.

“I’m so proud to be the first Filipino to win gold,” she told the Post. “I hope Eumir can win a second and other Filipino athletes can be inspired by my efforts and do our country proud.”

Hidilyn Diaz celebrates with her gold medal. Photo: Reuters

An emotional Diaz won a historic gold in the women’s 55kg event on Tuesday, lifting a combined weight of 224kg and setting an Olympic record in the process. She ended an almost century-long drought for gold for the country.