Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo encouraged Indonesian athletes on Wednesday to aim for gold and bring pride to the nation at the Paris Olympics. 

"I know the competition will be tough, with the best from around the world. But I urge everyone to stay optimistic and compete with full spirit," Jokowi said at the send-off ceremony for Indonesia's Olympic contingent in front of Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

He emphasized the nation's desire to see the Indonesian flag and hear the national anthem at the Olympics, encouraging athletes to prepare physically and mentally.

"You are our best, selected through rigorous trials. The eyes of the world, especially Indonesians, will be on you," he added.

Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo expressed optimism for Indonesia to surpass its Tokyo 2020 performance, which ranked 55th with five medals: one gold, one silver, and three bronze.

"We hope to achieve a better ranking and more medals this time," Dito told reporters.

Indonesia's gold at Tokyo 2020 was secured in badminton by the women's doubles pair Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu, continuing the nation's tradition of success in the sport. Silver was won by weightlifter Eko Yuli Irawan, with bronze medals claimed by Windy Cantika Aisah, Rahmat Erwin Abdullah (weightlifting), and Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (badminton).

Indonesia will send 29 athletes from 12 sports to the Paris Olympics, aiming particularly for gold in badminton, sport climbing, and weightlifting, according to Dito.

"With 29 athletes across 12 sports qualifying for Paris 2024, the largest contingent in 20 years, Indonesia has a strong chance to excel across various disciplines," Dito said.

The Paris Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, with Indonesian athletes competing in archery, climbing, badminton, shooting, surfing, athletics, cycling, judo, rowing, swimming, weightlifting, and gymnastics.

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