Algerian olympic athletes fly to Rio

Algiers, July 28 (IANS) The Algerian Olympic Committee has sent 64 athletes to compete in 13 sporting disciplines in the Rio Games to be held from August 5 to 21.

Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Wednesday met with the Algerian delegation here, as he conveyed them encouragement of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, reports Xinhua.

Minister of Sport and Youth, EL Hadi Ould Ali, and President of the Algerian Olympics Committee, Mustapha Berraf, attended the ceremony.

Algeria expects to grab 4-5 medals in Rio. The North African nation won one gold medal in London Games (2012) thanks to 1,500m champion, Taoufik Makhloufi.