The DIY weightlifting team has emerged as the standout performer at the Peparnas XVII event held in Solo, 2024, contributing the highest number of gold medals to the contingent. The team sent 14 athletes to compete, and their efforts resulted in an impressive haul of 6 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze medals.
This achievement marks a significant turnaround from the previous Peparnas, where the wheelchair tennis team secured 6 gold medals. In addition to the medals, the DIY weightlifting athletes also set two new records during the event.
Rumpis Agus Sudarko, the head of the DIY contingent, expressed surprise at the team's performance, stating, “We initially aimed for 5 gold medals, but the outcome exceeded our expectations.” The gold medals were won by Yuni Dwi Kristanti in the women’s 41 kg total lift, Niman in the men’s 49 kg total lift, and Sutiayah in the women’s 50 kg best lift, among others.
Agung Wibowo, the coach of the DIY weightlifting team, attributed the success to continuous training and the introduction of a new event category, total lift, which became a primary focus for the athletes. He explained, “Elite weightlifters are only allowed to compete in one category, so we maximized our chances in total lift.”
Faris Fadli Domily, the final gold medal contributor for the team, noted that securing the gold was in line with the team's objectives, stating, “I had opportunities to lift heavier weights, but I prioritized securing the gold medal first.”