Indonesian Olympics Committee (KOI) Chairperson Raja Sapta Oktohari stated that Maharani, also known as Rani, represented the awakening of Indonesian judo at the Olympics after its last appearance in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
"Rani is a tough woman who finally represents Indonesia again in judo during the Olympics after our long vacuum in the category," Oktohari stated at a gathering with the Indonesian team in Paris, France, Tuesday (July 23) local time.
Maharani has been a national pride and has proved her resilience as an athlete.
"Our judoka will now compete again during the Olympics in Paris," the committee chief remarked.
Oktohari also appealed for support and prayers from the Indonesian people for all athletes competing in the 2024 Olympics.
"The support and prayers from the Indonesian people become our entreat to the Almighty God that He will give more power and health to our athletes," he stated.
Meanwhile, Maharani expressed her utmost gratitude for the honor and hoped it would motivate her to win medals for Indonesia.
"I am thankful for the honor of becoming the flag bearer. I hope to continue to make Indonesia proud and present my best performance. I also hope to be a good inspiration to all," the judo athlete remarked.
The Indonesian contingent for the 2024 Olympics comprises 29 athletes from 12 sports. Almost a third of the nation's contingent, with nine athletes, will be competing in badminton.
The current Indonesian contingent became the largest in the last two decades after the country sent 38 athletes to the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
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Translator: Aditya R/Wahyu AP, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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