"In 1952, Indonesia had participated for the first time in the Helsinki Olympic Games in Finland, and I believe the same spirit must have also surged in the hearts of todays Indonesian contingent that will travel to Rio de Janeiro," President Jokowi remarked.
The head of state also advised the athletes to be passionate about delivering their best performance for Indonesia on the world stage.
On the occasion, President Jokowi handed over a red-and-white flag to Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi, who will later pass it on to Raja Sapta Oktohari, chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Contingent to the Rio 2016.
The 2016 Summer Olympics, commonly known as Rio 2016, is a highly anticipated international multi-sport event, and the excitement among sports fanatics is rising by the day and will reach its peak on August 5, 2016.
Several countries are participating in 28 sports, including rugby seven and golf.
More than 10.5 thousand athletes from 206 nations will participate in this extravaganza and will compete for the coveted gold medals.
Apart from refurbishing old stadiums and building new venues and roads, the host city has overcome innumerable hurdles in a bid to make the games a success.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
