Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono presented awards to 45 athletes as a token of the government's gratitude and appreciation for "their deeds in developing national sports" in a ceremony.

"I honor and appreciate all regional leaders and private and state-owned bodies for their deeds and support in developing national sports, especially to all Olympians for their great medal achievement at the recent Beijing Olympics," the Jakarta Post daily on Wednesday quoted President Yudhoyono as saying.

The award ceremony was held as part of Indonesian national sports day which falls on September 9.

Receiving awards were 14 athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan; five coaches, including coach Sigit Pamungkas; six referees; two sports teachers; eight sports patrons, including Indonesian coordinating minister for people's welfare Aburizal Bakrie; and 10 institutions of private television, sports tabloid, bank.

The government also gave scholarship to five sporting champions, including young chess player Anastasia, a pension donation to former archery coach the late Donald Pandiangan and a house worth 100 million rupiahs (US$10,870) to former judo star Raymond Rochili.

(Xinhua News Agency September 10, 2008)