REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, Imam Nahrawi has expressed optimism that the country's team will figure among the top eight countries in the medals tally at the Asian Games 2018.

"Of course it is not yet visible (whether or not) the target can be reached, but we are confident, not only optimistic, but very optimistic that in due time we can reach the target to be among the top eight," he said at the Vice President's office here on Friday.

Indonesia is targeting to win medals in 22 out of 39 sports that will be a part of the competition at the Asian Games 2018, which include weight lifting, swimming, athletics, archery, martial arts, rock climbing, jet ski, and taekwondo.

"It is a must to win medals in badminton and martial arts," the minister stressed.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who is also the chairman of the Asian Games 2018 steering committee has asked the Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry, the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI), the National Sports Committee (KONI), and the leadership of the sports union to prepare all the athletes and supporting teams from now on.

Imam further said the achievement of the Indonesian team at the Asian Games is inseparable from what it will achieve at the upcoming SEA Games in Malaysia and in the recent Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG).

As the host of the Asian Games 2018, Indonesia has been working hard to prepare various facilities, and development and renovation projects are expected to be completed before the end of this year.

The facilities for the Asian Games 2018 are located in the capital city of Jakarta and Palembang (South Sumatra). 45 countries will participate in the Asian Games. 

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