Beijing Olympics has really become the historical moment for Indonesian weightlifting, Indonesian weightlifting coach Lukman said on Tuesday.

During a special interview with Xinhua in Jakarta, Lukman said, "Indonesian weightlifter has been waiting for more than 60 years for medal earning. And, the history really started in Beijing, with the victory of Eko Yuli Irawan and Triyatno."

Eko Yuli Irawan impressed Indonesian people after winning the first bronze medal in the 56kg category weightlifting at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. And his mate, Triyatno gave the country another bronze medal.

"It was not only the first medal for the Indonesian team in Beijing Olympics but the first medal also for Indonesian weightlifting association," Lukman said.

The first time Indonesian weightlifter participating in world events such as Olympics was in 1948. The highest point was achieved by weightlifter Dirja Mihardja in Seoul Olympics in 1988."But, he could only took the fourth position, without any medal," Lukman said.

Having waited since 1948, Eko and Triyatno have really made historical Olympics moments by earning bronze medal, respectively. "So, Beijing has been very memorable for me because of our success in earning two medals after waiting for 60 years," he said.

Lukman did not deny that his weightlifters success turn to double happiness, namely the bonus from the Indonesian Sport and Youth Ministry, the Indonesian Weightlifting Association, provincial governments where Eko and Triyatno used to be.

"Hopefully, the success will give more motivation, particularly Eko who is preparing for junior world championship next year in Rumania," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2008)