Weightlifter Eko Yuli Irawan Poised for Sixth Asian Games Appearance in 2026

Indonesian weightlifting veteran Eko Yuli Irawan is on track to potentially make his sixth appearance at the Asian Games, with the 2026 edition scheduled for Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. At 37 years old, Irawan is part of the national team's preparation for the Games, which will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026. He is projected to compete in the men's 65-kilogram category.

Irawan's extensive Asian Games journey began two decades ago at the Doha 2006 Games, where he competed as a 17-year-old in the 56-kilogram class, finishing sixth. His first medal came four years later at the Guangzhou 2010 Games, securing a bronze in the 62-kilogram division. He continued his medal streak with another bronze at the Incheon 2014 Games in the same weight class.

His most significant achievement at the Asian Games occurred on home soil at the Jakarta-Palembang 2018 Games. Competing in the 62-kilogram category, Irawan captured the gold medal with a total lift of 311 kilograms. This victory marked a high point in his illustrious career at the regional event.

However, his consistent medal run was broken at the Hangzhou Asian Games, originally set for 2022 but postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Competing in the 67-kilogram class, Irawan successfully lifted 145 kilograms in the snatch but failed all three attempts in the clean and jerk, resulting in no total score. The upcoming 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games present a crucial opportunity for Irawan to rebound and secure a fourth Asian Games medal.

Indonesia is also preparing other lifters for the 2026 Games. In the men's division, Ricko Saputra (60kg), Rahmat Erwin Abdullah (75kg), and Rizki Juniansyah (85kg) are slated to compete. The women's team includes Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana (49kg), Juliana Klarisa (53kg), Natasya Beteyob (61kg), and Indah Afriza (69kg). If Eko Yuli Irawan competes, his Asian Games participation will span 20 years, from 2006 to 2026.