REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian contingent will return to the following Olympic Games that will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 5 to 22 August 2016. The first Olympic game that Indonesia participates took place in Helsinki, Finland in 1952.
President Joko Widodo said, during the 64 years since the Helsinki Olympic Games, Indonesia has only won 27 medals. Therefore, the President hoped that the athletes who will compete in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this time will add to this medal collection owned by Indonesia.
"I am waiting for our athlete to receive medal no. 28, 29, 30 and so forth. This will make the nation of Indonesia and its people proud,” said Jokowi, when releasing the Indonesian players who will leave for Rio de Janeiro at the courtyard Merdeka Palace, Wednesday (22/6).
Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi added, at the Olympics this time, there are at least six sports Indonesia will compete in, namely badminton, athletics, paddle, bike, archery and weightlifting. The numbers of athletes who depart until now are only 25 people.
“This not counting the athletes who struggling to qualify for the Olympics," said Imam.
One badminton athlete, Hendra Setiawan, said the Indonesian badminton team is targeting for a gold medal. Hendra admitted, until today he had an intense physical practice for ten days. According to him, there is still time for about 6-7 weeks more to practice techniques for the upcoming match.
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