Jordan delegation praise Rio preparations

AMMAN — If first impressions are anything to go by, the organisers of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro are in for a hugely successful event, according to Jordan’s delegation, the Jordan Olympic Committee News Service reported.

Led by three-time Olympian Nadin Dawani, chef de mission, Team Jordan arrived in the Brazilian city Saturday ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday night. Jordan has sent eight athletes from six sports and after arriving in the Olympic Village, they acclimatise to the South American humidity on Sunday and continue with the final preparations to compete on the biggest stage of them all.

“We have enjoyed a wonderful welcome from the organisers,” said swimming coach Ali Al Nawaiseh. “It couldn’t have gone better and after looking around the Olympic Village I can only congratulate them on their preparations.” Swimmer Khader Baqlah will be the first Jordanian to compete when the 17-year-old goes in the 200m freestyle on August 7.

His teammates will then compete across the fortnight of the Games with Hussein Ishaiash and Obadah Al Kesbeh in the boxing, Lawrence Fanous (triathlon), Mithqal Al Abbadi (marathon), Talita Baqlah (swimming), Ahmad Abu Ghaush (taekwondo) and Ibrahim Khalaf (judo).