Your Achievement Will Become Our Country Achievement, President Jokowi Tells Athletes Who Will Compete in Olympics

President Jokowi during a send-off ceremony for Indonesian athletes to 2021 Tokyo Olympic, Thursday (8/7) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. (Source: Screenshot of Presidential Secretariat Youtube Channel)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (8/7) gave his blessing to members of Team Indonesia who will compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in a send-off ceremony at the Merdeka Palace.

On that occasion, the President reminded the athletes to stay focused on bringing glory for the country and the Indonesian people.

“Stay healthy and fit for the Game. Keep your motivation high and focus on the match and on achievement. The Indonesian people put high hopes on you and your achievements will also become the achievement of our country,” he said.

At the Olympics, which is set to be held from 23 July to 10 August, Indonesia deploys seventeen officials and 28 athletes who will compete in eight sports, including athletics, archery, rowing, shooting, badminton, weightlifting, swimming, and surfing.

The Government said that the athletes are ready to compete in a fair manner and have chances to grab medals.

“I acknowledge that we have made optimal preparations for the Tokyo Olympics and the athletes have also worked hard to boost their achievements,” the President said, while expressing optimism that the struggle and the maximum preparations will bear fruit.

“The Indonesian people are waiting for you to bring home medals that will make us proud. I hope your struggle will be pay off,” he said.

For the record, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was originally scheduled to take place from 24 July to 9 August last year. However, the Game was postponed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the organizer announced that the event would be held without spectators.

Despite being rescheduled for 2021, the event retains the Tokyo 2020 name for marketing and branding purposes. (TGH/UN) (EST/EP)