Indonesian Weightlifter Eko Yuli Irawan Secures Historic Fifth Olympic Berth
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC) has lauded weightlifter Eko Yuli Irawan for his remarkable achievement of qualifying for his fifth consecutive Olympic Games, marking a historic milestone in Indonesian sports.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, NOC Indonesia Chairperson Raja Sapta Oktohari hailed Irawan’s feat as a testament to his dedication and prowess in the realm of weightlifting. Irawan clinched his berth for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by showcasing his exceptional talent during the International Weightlifting World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand, on Tuesday, where he successfully executed a snatch of 133 kg.
Despite an ongoing recovery from a knee injury, Irawan’s performance secured his place in the prestigious sporting event, although he was unable to complete the clean-and-jerk portion of the competition.
The 34-year-old athlete’s qualification for the 2024 Olympics marks his fifth consecutive appearance in the Games, a remarkable achievement since his debut at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Throughout his illustrious career, Irawan has earned accolades for Indonesia, including silver medals in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, as well as bronze medals in the 2008 and 2012 editions.
Oktohari expressed NOC Indonesia’s pride in Irawan’s consistent excellence and emphasized the importance of his exemplary dedication as a role model for aspiring Indonesian athletes. He commended Indonesian weightlifters for their enduring participation in the Olympics and their significant contributions to the nation’s medal tally.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Oktohari rallied support from the Indonesian populace, expressing hopes for the nation’s first-ever gold medal in weightlifting. He urged Indonesians to rally behind Irawan and the entire Indonesian contingent as they strive for success on the global stage.
According to NOC Indonesia, a total of eight athletes have secured qualifications to represent Indonesia at the 2024 Olympics. Joining Irawan are fellow athletes Arif Dwi Pangestu and Diananda Choirunisa from archery, as well as Rifda Irfanaluthfi from gymnastics. Additionally, Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi and Rahmad Adi Mulyono from sport climbing, Fathur Gustafian from shooting, and Rio Waida from surfing have also earned spots on the Indonesian Olympic team.
