TEMPO.CO, Incheon - Men’s 62 kg weightlifter Eko Yuli Irawan is set to perform at the Asian Games 2014 today. The bronze medal winner at Beijing Olympics 2008 and London Olympics 2012 is expected to win a medal for Indonesia.
Eko, according to national weightlifting coach Dirda Wihardja, is one of the athletes predicted to win a medal in Incheon. The 25-year old athlete had performed in 2006 Asian Games in men’s 56 kg weightlifting and gained sixth position. Four years later in Guanzhou, Eko performed in men’s 62 kg and won bronze medal.
Eko's best lift at London Olympics 2012 was 317 kilograms. According to Dirja, the result was important for Eko to compete at the Asian Games. In 2013 world championship, Eko recorded 320 kilograms.
Eko had similar confidence with the coach and said a week before departing to Incheon: "If I can lift a total weight of 320 kilograms, I can secure a bronze medal."
RINA WIDIASTUTI | GADI MAKITAN