Cuban Athletes Ready for Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Cuban First Vice-President Miguel Diaz-Canel handed the Cuban banner to two-time Olympic champion in wrestling Mijain Lopez, who will be the flag bearer in Rio

The members of the Cuban delegation to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games said they were confident on their victory in Brazilian soil.

At the Jose Marti Monument in the Revolution Square, Cuba´s First Vice-President Miguel Diaz-Canel handed the Cuban banner to two-time Olympic champion in wrestling Mijain Lopez, who will be the flag bearer in Rio.

In statements to Cuban news agency, Lopez said it was an honor to be appointed for the third time in a row to lead the Cuban delegation to Olympic Games.

He said that it’s an extra incentive to try to get his third gold, to pay back for the confidence they have shown to him. He also received in this ceremony his card as militant of the Cuban Communist Party.

World champion discus thrower Denia Caballero read the delegation´s commitment saying they will follow the fighting tradition of the Cuban people.

The President of the Cuban National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER by its Spanish acronym) Antonio Becali said Cuba´s goal is to finish in Rio among the top 20 in the countries´ standings.

He added they were satisfied with the results of the training prior to the event, and noted that having 120 athletes qualified to the Olympics shows the strength of the Cuban sports movements and urged them to compete with great focus, discipline and responsibilities

Cuba will try to improve the performance it had in London 2012, where it finished in the 16th position with 5 gold medals, three silver and six bronze.