"The whole Indonesian people will support you today. You have to fight to bring fame to the nation," the minister who was accompanied by Chairman of Indonesian Olympiad Rita Subowo said.
Andi said that being the host of the games should serve as a strength for Indonesian athletes to defeat their opponents.
"The hard training athletes have received should bear victory fruits," the minister said.
The minister expressed his hope that the Indonesian contingent should win many events in the games so that the target to grab 155 gold medals would be achieved.
"You should make the national anthem "Indonesia Raya" leaned by heart by athletes from other countries through the singing of the song each time you win a sport branch," the minister said.
The Indonesian contingent consists of 1,582 athletes and officials. Of the total, 650 athletes will compete in the games in Jakarta.
SEA Games will be held in Jakarta and Palembang (South Sumatra) on November 11-22, 2011.(*)
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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
