Asian Games weightlifting gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines has received a funding boost ©Getty Images

Asian Games weightlifting gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines has received a funding boost in her bid for glory at the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist has been given PHP1.5 million (£23,000/$31,000/€26,000) by the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) in the country, established to help Filipino athletes be successful at major events including the Olympic Games.

Diaz, who competes in the under-53 kilograms division, thanked the organisation for its support during the coronavirus pandemic.

"It’s a huge deal that MVP is there to help me in my journey towards Tokyo 2020," the 29-year-old said, according to the Inquirer.

The Philippines are yet to win an Olympic gold medal, and Diaz is considered among those most likely to break that record.

Hidilyn Diaz won the under-53kg title at the 2018 Asian Games ©Getty Images
Hidilyn Diaz won the under-53kg title at the 2018 Asian Games ©Getty Images

Diaz is a three-time World Championships medallist, won the under-53kg gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang and claimed the Asian title in 2015.

"Our chairman Manny V. Pangilinan deeply cares about all of the athletes under the MVPSF banner and we’re doing our best to help take care of their needs during this difficult time," said MVPSF President Al Panlilio.

"We don’t want Hidilyn to worry about her day-to-day needs so she could pour in all her focus on training and bringing home that elusive Olympic gold medal."

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been rescheduled for July 23 to August 8 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.