"We are placing focus on maintaining the mental and psychological conditions of our athletes," he said after visiting a sports center to observe the training of Rifda Irfanaluthfi, a gymnast who qualified for the Olympics, in Jakarta on Friday.
On the occasion, Bakrie held a discussion with the gymnast and the Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani) chairperson, Ita Yuliati Irawan, and coaching staff.
The CdM underscored that mental preparation is key to enabling Indonesian athletes to give their best at the world's most prestigious sports event.
He then added that prior to competing at the Olympics, Irfanaluthfi and her team will fly to the Netherlands on June 15 to undergo training sessions.
Bakrie credited Irfanaluthfi's success in becoming the first Indonesian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics to the tenacity and hard work displayed by her and Persani since 2014.
"Rifda (Irfanaluthfi) has been dreaming of competing at the Olympics for ten years. Her qualification is a result of their hard work," he said.
He expressed hope that other gymnastic athletes in Indonesia will follow in the footsteps of Irfanaluthfi.
Bakrie also urged all parties to show support and pray for Irfanaluthfi so that she can bag medals and boost Indonesia's reputation at the global level.
Related news: Indonesian rowing team poised for Paris Olympics last qualification
Related news: RI's badminton players need to secure seed positions before Olympics
Translator: Aloysius L, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
