TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko `Jokowi` Widodo sees off Indonesian delegation consisted of 938 athletes and 396 officials, who will participate in 2018 Asian Games, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 8.
In his speech, Jokowi believes the athletes will achieve a lot of gold medals as a result of their hard training. “I have faith that with their hard works during training for such a long time, God willing, we will get gold medals as much as possible,” he said.
Jokowi mentioned Indonesia has clear targets for the 18th Asian Games which is to be listed in the top ten countries and that the athletes must obtain minimum 16 gold medals. “It means, more medals is okay but no less [than the target]. It’s absolute,” he stressed.
He also rest-assured that the athletes will create great achievements during the biggest Asian multi-sports event considering he had seen their training, such as martial art Pencak Silat, jet ski, sailing, skateboard, and paddling.
Before closing his speech, the president appealed to the athletes to maintain the good name of Indonesia, play in fair and just. “I entrust the country’s pride to you all the athletes. And remember, 263 million of Indonesian people get your backs to sing the national anthem Indonesia Raya and Merah Putih when the victory comes after your match,” Jokowi said.
The 2018 Asian Games Chief de Mission, Comr. Gen. Syafruddin, said 1,338 people will participate in the games which consist of 938 athletes, 396 officials, and 80 headquarters.
FRISKI RIANA