Huge Flag Marks Opening Of Indonesia Open Aquatic Championship

JAKARTA, Dec 6 (Antara) - A huge national flag was raised to mark the opening of CIMB Niaga Indonesia Open Aquatic Championship 2017 at Gelora Bung Karno Aquatic Stadium here on Tuesday. The flag ceremony was held at 7pm at the aquatic stadium that had just been renovated for the Asian Games 2018 with the flag being spread to cover 90 percent of the 50x25 meter and three meter deep pool. A big applause was given to the attraction performed by 10 men and women athletes at the opening of the aquatic tournament which was attended by Asian Games 2018 steering committee chairman Jusuf Kalla who is also the country's vice president. One of the national athlete, Gagarin Nathaniel Yus, who took part in spreading the flag expressed joy for having been able to participate in it. "It was very heavy when the flag was pulled in the water. There was no problem but it was because it was first not balanced. We trained only for two minutes but in reality it lasted more than two minutes. I am glad and proud," the SEA Games 2017 gold medalist said. Three other branches competed in the international tournament attended by seven foreign countries - Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, India, South Korea and Singapire - also performed attractions with their own elements. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said he was stunned by the attractions which were very good and beautiful. He also praised the aquatic stadium. "I am proud and amazed that Indonesia has a swimming arena like this which I think is the best in Asia. I hope Indonesian athletes could make achievements here," he said. The tournament also served as a test event for Asian Games 2018 from August 18 to September 2. The ceremony was also attended by coordinating minister for human resources development and culture Puan Maharani, sports minister Imam Nahrawi, chief of Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee, Erick Tohir and general chairman the All Indonesia Swimming Association. Anindys Novyan Bakrie.