I really salute his achievementJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Olympic weightlifting athlete Eko Yuli Irawan’s historical feat sets an example for Indonesian athletes and youth, according to House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani.
She was all praises for weightlifting athlete Irawan, who has bagged a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, thereby bringing his Olympics medal tally to four.
"Eko Yuli Irawan’s achievement is not only a historical feat but is also an example for all athletes and youth in all aspects," Maharani affirmed here Monday.
Apart from lauding Irawan for winning the silver medal, the House speaker also praised Irawan as an Indonesian athlete to have brought home the most medals during his participation in the Olympics.
"Eko Yuli Irawan also makes history by becoming an Indonesian athlete with the most medal victories throughout his participation in the Summer Olympics. I really salute his achievement," Maharani said.
The speaker noted Irawan's humble beginning, showcasing a "zero-to-hero" story, should serve as an example for Indonesian youth. Irawan came from a humble family before participating in weightlifting. He then joined as the Indonesian representative for weightlifting in the Olympics and became the nation's champion.
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Maharani is convinced that Irawan's achievement will catalyze other Indonesian athletes to bag gold medals and to achieve the national goal for the 2020 Summer Olympics’ participation by being in the top 40 among the participating nations.
"Earlier, Windy Cantika Aisah had won a bronze medal (in weightlifting), and Eko Yuli Irawan now has won a silver medal. We hope our next medal would be the gold one," Maharani affirmed.
She also noted that badminton remained a mainstay of Indonesia’s Olympic medals, and its athletes are currently in full-throttle mode whilst competing against opponents in the qualification stage.
Irawan's latest medal is his fourth from his consecutive Olympics participation since 2008. Earlier, Irawan had won a silver medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and two bronze medals in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Related news: Indonesian women's doubles pair Polii-Rahayu win Olympic opening match
Translator: Imam B, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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