Sukabumi, W Java (ANTARA News) - As many as 23 countries are scheduled to take part in the 15th World Rafting Championship in Citarik river, Sukabumi, West Java.

"Indonesia has been selected to host the rafting championship out of several countries by the International Rafting Federation. The Citarik river in the sub-district of Cikadang, Sukabumi, has been chosen as the venue," the General Chairman of the Indonesian Rafting Federation, Major General Buyung Lalana, said on the sidelines of the opening of the World Rafting Championship at Pelabuhan Ratu, on Monday.

The countries that will take part in the event include the US, Argentine, Australia, Costa Rica, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Brazil, Turkey, Malaysia and Indonesia.

He said Indonesia was proud to have been chosen as the host for the championship, and especially so at IRFs choice of Citarik, which considered its natural condition.

He said as a host, he would provide maximum service to the world athletes taking part in the event.

He said the event could also serve as a means of promoting tourism in Indonesia, especially in Sukabumi.

"We, the national team, wish to give our best to the nation by ensuring that our national anthem is heard at the WRC event," he said.

Sukabumi district head Achadiat Supratman said he hoped the championship could promote Sukabumi and also felt proud since many of the athletes came from Sukabumi.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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