CARACAS – Through the program “Abanderado por el Pueblo”, promoted by the Comité Olímpico Venezolano, sensei Antonio Díaz and jumper Yulimar Rojas were elected as Venezuela’s standard-bearer for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The idea of choosing the standard-bearer through a vote was born before the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008. On that occasion, the honor of waving the flag of Venezuela in the Olympic stadium of the Chinese capital was awarded to the women’s softball team. Later the standard-bearers were selected with the same method.
“I am happy for the honor and responsibility of being the standard bearer, I hope to be able to give my best in Tokyo 2020. Thanks to all of Venezuela for the trust and support, thank you enormously,” Rojas said in a press release.
For his part, karateka Díaz confessed: “It is a dream that becomes reality, much more because karate will make its debut in these Olympic Games. It’s all a pride for me and I’ll carry the flag with all the responsibility it deserves “
In addition to Díaz and Rojas, Robeilys Peinado, Orluis Aular, Daniel Dhers, Rubén Limardo, Karen León, Andrés Lage, the men’s national volleyball team, José Guipe and César Amaris were also in the running.
When there are 38 days left for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, the following athletes are qualified for Venezuela: Yulimar Rojas (triple jump), Robeilys Peinado (pole vault), Orluis Aular (Cycling), men’s national volleyball team, Antonio Díaz (karate), Rubén Limardo (fencing), Karen León (judo), César Amaris and José Guipe (remo), José Quintero (fencing), Gabriel Maestre and Nalek Korbaj (boxing), Rosa Rodríguez (hammer throw), Irismar Cardozo and Yoel Finol (boxing), Julio Mayora and Yusleidy Figueroa (weightlifting), Julio Iemma (sports shooting), Anriquelis Barrios (judo), Keydomar Vallenilla and Naryury Pérez (weightlifting) and Claudymar Garcés (karate).
The Olympic Games will kick off on 23 July and will extend until 8 August in the land of the rising sun.
(by Fioravante De Simone / Caracas editorial office)
