Chairman of the Indonesian National Olympic Committee (NOC), Raja Sapta Oktohari, made the statement at the inauguration of the Indonesian Contingent for the 2024 Paris Olympics at the Youth and Sports Ministry's Auditorium in Senayan here on Wednesday.
Oktohari spoke of having recently received information that Indonesian citizens would flock to witness the 29 Indonesian athletes vie for medals at the Olympics.
"I got the news that all Indonesian citizens living around Paris will come to convey their best support in every match where the Indonesian athletes will compete," Oktohari remarked.
He emphasized that all elements of society in the country should also support the athletes through their prayers to motivate them.
Before departing for Paris, the athletes had cleared a tough phase by successfully eliminating competitors from various countries for qualifying to go to Paris.
"Only 10,672 athletes have qualified for the Olympics and 29 of them are from Indonesia," he stated.
Hence, he affirmed that Indonesians should be proud of this achievement and support the athletes in their struggles.
The number of athletes qualifying for this year's Olympics is the highest for Indonesia in the last two decades or the second highest after the 2004 Olympics in Athens, with a total of 38 athletes.
The 29 athletes are from 12 sports, including badminton, rock climbing, weightlifting, artistic gymnastics, and judo.
The squad consists of 16 men and 13 women athletes, while the Indonesian contingent has 86 people comprising athletes, coaches, and officials of each sport.
The Indonesian contingent will depart for Paris on July 13. However, two swimming athletes will depart on July 22.
Before competing in the Olympics, some athletes will also participate in nationalized training overseas.
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Translator: Donny A, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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