Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA News) - Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng officially kicked off the 4th ASEAN School Games in Surabaya, East Java, on Friday.

He marked the opening of the championship held with a theme of "Spirit, Friendship and Excellence" by hitting a tennis ball along with East Java deputy governor Saifullah Yusuf, ASSC President Hawazi Daipi and ASG organizing committee chairman Djoko Pekik Irianto.

More than 1,356 athletes and officials from seven countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam take part in the event until July 5.

Indonesia has set a target of winning 36 gold medals from 11 sports branches to be competed in the championship, which was higher than 21 gold medals collected in the third ASEAN School Games in Singapore in 2011, to finish fourth after Malaysia.

Thailand was the champion of the 3rd ASG, followed by Singapore as the runner-up.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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