Asian Games - Khofifah Thanks E Javanese Gold Medalists

Surabaya, E Java (Antaranews jatim) - Governor elect Khofifah Indar Parawansa and her deputy, Emil Elestianto Dardak, thanked East Javanese athletes winning medals in the 18th Asian Games.

"We are proud that of the total 24 athletes from East Java participating in the Asian Games 2018, 10 have won gold medals. Therefore, out of the total 31 gold medals grabbed by Indonesia during the Asian Games 2018, 10 have been contributed by East Javanese athletes," she stated here on Saturday while holding a gathering reception for volunteers supporting and helping her during the gubernatorial election campaign.

She presented certain amount of money as gifts to the athletes.

The governor elect also expressed her gratitude to the volunteers who had helped her win the gubernatorial election held last June 2018.

Indonesia has reached its target of finishing in the top 10 at the 2018 Asian Games. By collecting 98 medals, with 31 gold, 24 silver, and 43 bronze medals, Indonesia finished fourth after China, Japan, and South Korea.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla has stated that Indonesia has recorded history by reaching the highest achievements at the Asian Games since the first such event was held in 1951.

"This is Indonesia's highest achievement in the history of its participation in the Asian Games, from 17th position in the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, with four gold medals, to finishing fourth with 31 gold medals," Kalla remarked at the 2018 Asian Games closing ceremony at Bung Karno Main Stadium here on Sept 2, 2018 night.

Kalla pointed out that with 98 medals won by the host contingent at the 18th Asian Games, the sense of unity of the Indonesian people is getting stronger, along with the increasing tolerance in Indonesia's pluralism.

The 18th Asian Games was co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang (South Sumatra Province) from Aug 18 to Sept 2, 2018.(*)