Asked To Be The Red And White Flag Bearer At The Tokyo Olympics, Athlete Born Saitama Rio Waida Is Proud

Rio Waida (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - The Japanese-Indonesian surfer Rio Waida can't wait to be the red and white flag bearer at the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, Friday, July 23 local time. The 21-year-old athlete is full of passion.

Japan has become the second home for this young man who was born in Saitama, January 25, 2000. He is the son of Muhamad Zaini and Kaoru Waida, two surfers who have introduced him to waves since childhood. Especially when their family decided to move to the Island of the Gods when they were 5 years old.

"I never imagined that I could be in the Olympics. Tonight, I will be a flag bearer. I will stand at the front carrying the red and white flag, representing the Indonesian contingent. I can't wait," Rio said in an official statement received by VOI.

Tonight, Rio will wear the traditional Balinese Payas Madya shirt, namely a white shirt and black beskap and Balinese batik cloth with sparkling gold. Her appearance will be mixed and matched with traditional Japanese sandals, tatami.

The Indonesian contingent defile delegation will be led by Chef de Mission Rosan P Roeslani who wears white traditional Betawi clothes with red sarongs and caps.

Rio was at the forefront followed by national lifter Nurul Akmal, swimmers Aflah Fadlan Prawira and Azzahra Permatahani as well as five coaches Dirdja Wihardja (weightlifting), Rionny Mainaky (badminton), Permadi Sandra Wibowo (archery), Donny Budiarto Utomo (swimming), and Tipi Jabrik Noventin (surf coach).

"To be able to represent Indonesia at the Olympics and carry the Red and White flag is an honor for me and of course this is a momentum to introduce surfing so that it can be better known in Indonesia," said Rio.

"I want to show the world that Indonesia is a country with tremendous potential."

The opening ceremony can be watched live on the official broadcasters of the Tokyo Olympics, namely TVRI and Emtek Group through the Vidio.com platform and Champions TV. The ceremony will start at 20.00 local time or 18.00 WIB.