REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Vice President Jusuf Kalla said that the Indonesian people are friendly to all Asian athletes during the 18th Asian Games. The Indonesian people also supported all Asian athletes.

"All of you have set an example to all Asians, that Indonesia is friendly," Kalla said in his address to the closing ceremony of the Asian Games 2018 here on Sunday.

The Vice President said enthusiasm of the Indonesian people had created great energy for all athletes from 45 Asian countries who competed in the 18th Asian Games. "I want to express my gratitude to all audiences and the public, who shared their enthusiasm and smile at the time of victory and shared sympathy during defeat," Kalla, who is also Chairman of the INASGOC Steering Committee said.

The Vice President also lauded all athletes who had competed with high enthusiasm in the Asian Games. "Thank you for giving thrilling moments, strong spirit and energy. You are all Asian heroes," he said.

The closing ceremony was attended by President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, President of Olympic Council of Asia Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, Chairman of INASGOC (Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee) Erick Thohir, Chairman of the Indonesian Contingent Syfaruddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, and Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi.

Earlier, Director General Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Husain Al-Mussalam said the organizing of multi-branch international sports championships such as the Asian Games is not only a matter of victory and competition among athletes. Asian Games also promote the development of sports for the benefit of international friendship.

Al-Mussalam said Bangladesh and other countries did not return home with empty hand even though they did not win any medal. "Bangladesh certainly prioritizes other matters such as handling flood disasters that occur in the country. Some of the participating countries in the Asian Games are developing countries that have their own problems in their country," he said.

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