In addition, we want to prove that we seriously promote and care about gender equality.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Hurdler Emilia Nova has been appointed as the first Indonesian woman athlete to carry the contingent's flag at the opening of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

She will carry the flag at the opening of the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 12, 2022, Chef de Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian contingent for the SEA Games, Ferry J. Kono, informed in a press release issued on Tuesday.

She has been appointed due to her excellent achievements in the biennial multi-sport event, he added. Moreover, the 31st SEA Games will be her first international tournament after undergoing spinal surgery in 2021.

“In addition, we want to prove that we seriously promote and care about gender equality. We give male and female athletes equal rights and opportunities," he said.

The hurdler won a silver medal at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, a silver medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, and a gold medal at the 2019 Philippines SEA Games.

The CdM said that the Organizing Committee for the 31st SEA Games (VIESGOC) has allowed each country to send only 31 participants to the opening ceremony parade.

"We will ask the athletes whose events started to be contested at least on April 14, 2022, to join the parade to maintain the condition of our athletes; thus, they will not become tired when they have to compete," he added.

Meanwhile, Emilia said that she is proud to be appointed as the flag bearer and the first Indonesian woman athlete to carry the flag at the games.

"Certainly, it is an honor for me, especially since I just recovered from an injury, thus I will have my comeback at the event. Hopefully, the appointment can also encourage me to obtain better achievements for Indonesia," she remarked.

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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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