iMSPORT.TV – Indonesian senior weightlifter Eko Yuli Irawan confirmed his return to the Indonesian national team at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand after defeating his junior, Leonardo Adventino, in the National Selection (Seleknas) held at the Kwini Mess, Jakarta, on Wednesday (August 20).
This victory ensures Eko’s ninth consecutive appearance at Southeast Asia’s largest sporting event since his debut in 2007. In the previous eight editions, the Lampung-based weightlifter has won seven gold medals and one silver medal.
At the national selection, Eko, competing in the new 65 kg class, faced a tight battle with Leonardo, a 21-year-old lifter from West Java. Leonardo had the upper hand in the snatch with 135 kg, while Eko only managed 132 kg. However, Leonardo failed to complete the clean and jerk of 163 kg, while Eko completed 164 kg, securing the victory.
“In terms of experience, Eko is indeed more prepared. He knows how to handle pressure and capitalize on opportunities. That’s what sets him apart from Leonardo, who actually has potential,” Hadi Wihardja, Head of the Achievement Development Division of the Indonesian Weightlifting Association (PB PABSI), told ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday.
According to Hadi, Leonardo has only been with the national training team for three months, so understandable that his performance hasn’t stabilized. Despite losing the duel, Leonardo is said to remain part of the Indonesian weightlifting regeneration program.
Eko Yuli returns to the SEA Games For the Ninth Time
“We’re preparing Leon to be Eko’s successor. He’s already 137 kg in the snatch, and only a kilo off the clean and jerk. So he has great potential; he just needs to mature. Not all athletes can shine immediately at a young age; some develop late. That’s what we’re monitoring,” said Hadi.
He added that Eko Yuli’s challenge in Thailand will be tougher because the competition in the 65 kg class is quite fierce. Several countries, such as Malaysia and Vietnam, are said to have lifters with total lifts of nearly 300 kg.
“With Eko’s current lift, his chances may not be gold, but silver or bronze. But again, Eko’s experience is crucial. We’ll see how he develops at the 2025 World Championships in October,” said Hadi.
However, the Indonesian Weightlifting Association (PB PABSI) emphasized that the regeneration of weightlifting is ongoing. In addition to Leonardo, several other young lifters are emerging from national and international championships.
(adm/amr)
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