Failed To Get A Medal Due To The Difference In Body Weight, Papuan Lifter Angry: I Don't Accept My Oath, Where's The Referee?

The host lifter Papua Tatang Hidayat rages in the XX PON arena (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The host lifter Papua Tatang Hidayat rages in the weightlifting arena of the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) after being declared unable to win silver and bronze medals due to weight differences.

"I swear, I don't accept. Where is the referee, I don't accept it," Tatang shouted from beside the match stage at the Uncen Jayapura Auditorium, Wednesday afternoon, as reported by Antara.

Appearing at the Uncen Jayapura Auditorium, Tatang entered the men's 93 kg weightlifting class by collecting a total lift of 840 kg (350 kg squad, 220 kg bench press and 270 kg dead lift).

Tatang's total force equaled the silver-winning lifter from Jambi Abdul Latif Mana who also made a total lift of 840 kg (330 kg squad, 230 kg bench press and 280 kg dead lift).

The same achievement was also achieved by East Kalimantan lifter Andi Kurniawan who collected a total lift of 840 kg (340 kg squad, 210 kg bench press and 290 kg dead lift).

Tatang's emotions spilled over when match referees Tiohok Seng, Elly Endria and Musli Yunus declared that the host athlete lost because of the heavier weight difference than the silver and bronze medal winners.

Based on the records of the Papua PON organizing committee, Tatang's weight is 90.90 kg or heavier than Latif 88.70 kg and Andi 90.85 kg.

Tatang expressed his gold by shouting loudly towards other athletes in the break room. Tatang also targeted the referee to ask for clarification on his defeat in the final round.

Tatang's tantrum was heard to the audience in the stands. Even the committee temporarily postponed the agenda for awarding the winners' medals.

The situation was immediately handled by a number of security officers in police uniforms and volunteers recruited by the competition organizing committee.

The committee managed to calm Tatang's anger towards the referee after almost 30 minutes of venting his emotions in the athlete's room and in front of the medical room.