KUDUS – Olympic weightlifting requires more than just physical strength; it demands precise technique, balance, discipline, and mental fortitude. For female lifters in Kudus Regency, Central Java, the sport serves as a platform to prove their capabilities while dismantling stereotypes that weightlifting is exclusively for men.
Since the local chapter of the Indonesian Weightlifting Association (PABSI) in Kudus began active operations in 2024, there has been a sustained effort to develop young female talent. Approximately ten athletes aged 13 to 18 are currently participating in training, possessing varying levels of skill and experience.
Some have already competed in student tournaments and are preparing for the Provincial Sports Week (Porprov), while others are focused on mastering fundamental techniques, building physical conditioning, and familiarizing themselves with the competitive landscape.
Their journey highlights how athletic development is fostered through consistent coaching, environmental support, and the courage of young women to pursue a sport still gaining recognition in the broader community.
Meka Yulianto, chairman and head coach of PABSI Kudus, sees significant potential for developing female athletes. However, limited public awareness remains a challenge in identifying new talent.
Common obstacles include parental concerns regarding injury risks and misconceptions that weight training may stunt a child's growth. Consequently, introducing weightlifting requires educating parents on proper technique, safety protocols, and age-appropriate training regimens.
"The potential for female athletes is actually greater," Meka stated.
While PABSI Kudus’ training programs launched in 2024 despite limited equipment, participation in the Regional Student Sports Week (Popda) in 2025 and 2026 provided a vital opportunity to promote the sport and scout for future athletes.
"Popda has made it much easier for us to reach out and find new talent," said Meka.
Recruitment efforts also extend to school extracurricular programs. Training sessions are already underway at SMK Ma'arif and SMP 1 Kaliwungu, with officials currently engaging other institutions, including SMK Masehi, SMK Bakti, and SMA 1 Bae.
With six schools currently integrated into the weightlifting program, expanding the training reach remains a primary priority.
Having initially focused on high school students, the program expanded to include middle schoolers in 2026. PABSI Kudus now plans to reach elementary school students, specifically in fifth and sixth grades, to introduce the sport at an even younger age.
"In 2025, we focused on high schoolers. By 2026, we began reaching out to middle schools. We hope to start entering elementary schools by 2027, particularly targeting students in the fifth and sixth grades," he explained.
This expansion is accompanied by a phased training approach, where beginners focus on building foundational strength and mastering basic movements before gradually increasing weights according to their individual progress.
According to Meka, physical strength alone does not guarantee a successful lift. Mastery of technique remains the critical factor achieved through consistent practice.
"Even someone with significant muscle mass cannot necessarily lift effectively because it requires specific technique," he noted.
Throughout the training process, senior athletes mentor juniors, correcting their form and sharing insights. This approach helps beginners adapt more effectively while fostering a sense of camaraderie across different age groups.
For Agustina Azani, the journey to becoming a weightlifter has not been without its challenges. Since taking up the sport in 2023, she has faced various obstacles, including injuries and sprains that briefly sidelined her training.
These experiences have taught her that physical ability must be balanced with mental fortitude. There were times when the training felt overwhelming, but her desire to improve kept her focused.
“The journey is difficult, but we remain motivated,” Agustina said.
As an athlete in the Student Education and Training Center (PPLP) program, Agustina is accustomed to a regimented physical and technical training schedule. Preparing for competitions requires program adjustments, including intensive month-long training blocks leading up to events.
“To win medals and achieve success, we must keep our spirit high,” she added.
Over time, Agustina has felt her physical strength improve. This progress is a tangible result of her training, though she continues to seek refinements in various aspects of her performance.
She has set a target of winning a bronze or silver medal in her upcoming competitions, with long-term aspirations of competing in the National Sports Week (PON).
For Agustina, weightlifting is no reason for women to feel discouraged. Instead, through the sport, she has learned to recognize her potential, overcome challenges, and build confidence.
Zabrina Putri Calista, an athlete from Kudus Regency currently in her second year at SMA 2 Bae Kudus, shares a similar path. She was introduced to weightlifting in early 2024 by a teacher at SMP 1 Kaliwungu Kudus who spotted her potential.
Initially, Zabrina admitted to being intimidated by the weights. However, her apprehension gradually turned into passion as she mastered the techniques and settled into a regular training routine.
Progress, however, has not been linear. At times, the development of her lifting capacity has felt slow, while concerns regarding potential injury occasionally led to self-doubt.
“I was afraid that if my lift numbers didn't improve, I could suffer an injury and end up in the hospital,” Zabrina said.
Despite her doubts, she followed her coach's guidance. The gradual training regimen eventually led her to qualify for the district-level athlete selection process.
Initially, Zabrina participated without expecting to represent Kudus in the Provincial Sports Games (Porprov). The outcome of the selection was an unexpected milestone for her.
“I didn't expect to make it to Porprov because I just joined the selection on a whim, but I ended up qualifying,” she said.
Since November 2025, Zabrina has been preparing for the Porprov. This opportunity has become a vital part of her journey to test her technique, physical readiness, and mental toughness in competition.
The experience has also fueled her ambition. Zabrina aims to continue improving her skills for a chance to compete on the international stage.
Beyond her performance goals, she has a message for women her age: being physically strong does not mean sacrificing femininity. She believes women can express their true selves while excelling in sports that demand raw strength.
“I didn't expect to make it to Porprov because I just joined the selection on a whim, but I ended up qualifying,” she said.
The experience allowed Zabrina to test the skills she built during training. She realizes that her technique and mental preparation still require further development, especially when facing more experienced athletes.
Looking ahead, Zabrina wants to refine her abilities to compete at an international level. She also hopes to encourage other women to pursue sports traditionally perceived as male-dominated.
For Zabrina, being a tough athlete does not mean leaving behind one's feminine side. She wants to demonstrate that women can possess physical strength while remaining true to their individual personalities.
While Agustina and Zabrina have already experienced the intensity of training and competition, Nabila Dewi Safari, a seventh-grade student at MTS NU Hasyim Asyhari 1 in Kudus Regency, is still in the early stages of her weightlifting journey.
Nabila Dewi Safari began her weightlifting training approximately two months ago. Her interest was sparked by a desire to earn trophies and achieve success through the sport.
"I want to win a trophy," Nabila said.
As a novice athlete, Nabila is currently focused on mastering basic techniques, understanding her physical capabilities, and adapting to training loads. She noted that she has successfully lifted 17 kilograms and prefers training sessions with 15 kilograms.
Although she has yet to compete, Nabila is eager to participate in the Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA). "I want to compete in Popda," she stated.
This ambition drives her commitment to learning and training. To Nabila, winning a trophy is a goal she hopes to achieve through weightlifting. She remains in the early phases of her development, building her skills through consistent training and mentorship.
The journeys of Agustina, Zabrina, and Nabila reflect three vital stages in the regeneration of female athletes: the perseverance to maintain skill, the courage to face competition, and the enthusiasm of a new generation beginning their engagement with the sport.
While each athlete has different levels of experience and individual goals, all are being developed within the same coaching framework.
For PABSI Kudus, sustaining this growth requires providing more opportunities for girls to discover weightlifting. Expanding programs in schools, engaging with parents, improving facility access, and providing mentorship tailored to individual capabilities are essential to building a solid foundation.
Events like Popda and the Provincial Sports Week (Porprov) serve as venues to evaluate training results and create pathways to higher achievement. However, development programs must also ensure that newcomers have room to grow while experienced athletes receive the support needed to enhance their performance.
Despite the challenges of social stigma and limited outreach, Kudus’ female lifters continue to forge their own paths. Each lift is more than a display of physical strength; it is part of a long-term process to build self-confidence, maintain local athletic talent, and open doors for the next generation. (FZ/mainkekudus)