Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Tuesday that he expected Indonesian athletes to score high in the Beijing Olympic Games next month.

The president made the statement while attending the official launch of the Indonesian delegation to the Beijing Olympic Games which will kick off on Aug. 8.

Twenty-four Indonesian athletes are to compete in seven events at the Beijing Games, including badminton, weightlifting, archery, windsurfing, shooting, swimming, and track and field.

In his speech, Susilo highlighted his support for the delegation, calling for the athletes to be confident and try their best at the Games.

"You have been trained and prepared well, so be confident when you compete. You are the best athletes in this country," said Susilo.

The president also expressed optimism that the Olympic Games in Beijing would be successful.

Earlier, sports minister Adhiyaksa Dault said Indonesian athletes will aim for at least one gold medal, probably at Badminton, during the Beijing Games.

Indonesia won a gold, a silver and two bronze medals at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2008)