Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo received the Minister of Youth and Sport (Menpora) of Imam Nahrawi and Eko Yuli Irawan, three medalists in the world weightlifting championship in Asghabat, Turkmenistan, 2018.

"I think the people, the government are very proud of the achievements given by Eko Yuli at the World Championship yesterday," the President said when he received Eko Yuli and the minister at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday.

Jokowi hopes that Eko Yuli`s achievements will be followed by other athletes, not only in the weight lifting branches but also in other sports branches.

"The government will continue to provide `support` (support) and Youth and Sports Ministry will also continue to follow all the branches it follows," Jokowi said.

Eko Yuli feels proud to be accepted by the President at Merdeka Palace and he hopes his achievements can continue at the upcoming Olympics in Japan.

"The Olympics is a gold target, hopefully the results are maximal," said Eko Yuli when received by the President.

Eko Yuli admitted that the preparation for the Japanese Olympics was a longer preparation and it was hoped that the results could be maximized.

Eko Yuli claimed to be the closest competitor to Olympic athletes from China, Colombia and North Korea.

Indonesia`s flagship lifter, Eko Yuli Irawan won the 61 kg class gold medal while breaking the record in the weightlifting world championship in Asghabat, Turkmenistan, Saturday (3/11) local time.

The record printed by Eko Yuli in the newly competed class was with a total force of 317 kg from 313 kg previously with details of the clean and jerk 174 kg and snatch 143 kg. (E002/A)

Reporting by Joko Susilo

Editing by Eliswan

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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