Indonesia expects to get over 20 gold medals in 2018 Asian Games: minister

Indonesia expects to secure at least 20 gold medals in the 2018 Asian Games slated to be held at home, a sports minister said here on Tuesday.

The minister says the medals are expected to come from badminton, weightlifting, rowing, judo, karate, boxing, and athletics, among others.

"We hope to get at least 20 gold medals and ascend to the big 8 nations. This is our priority achievement in the Games," Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi said in a statement released on Tuesday.

He added that his ministry would monitor progress of national athletes accordingly, in such a manner as to allow them to meet expectations within the next two years.

The monitoring would apply especially to athletes who took part in the Rio Olympics and national sporting events, the minister said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered state institutions and agencies to carry out preparation work as the country gears up to host the Games.

"I want everything is finished on time. This would be our first work to impress the international sports community, and to prove that Indonesia is capable in hosting the Asian Games," the president said.

Indonesia is scheduled to host the 18th Asian Games from August to September 2018. The last time Indonesia hosted the event was in 1962.

South Sumatra's provincial capital of Palembang and the national capital city Jakarta have been designated as host cities for the Games. Endit