RIO DE JANEIRO — Vice-Premier Liu Yandong on August 4 called on the country’s athletes to spread the Olympic spirit of unity, friendship and progress at the upcoming Rio Olympic Games.

Liu, who was invited to attend opening ceremony on August 5 at the Maracana Stadium as the envoy of President Xi Jinping, visited the Athletes Village and talked to a group of Chinese athletes and coaches on the afternoon of August 5.

“The Chinese leadership has always attached great importance to sports. Today I came here to bring to you the sincere greetings and best wishes from President Xi Jinping,” said Liu.

With a squad of 416 athletes, China’s representation in Brazil is the country’s largest ever for an overseas Olympics, and 302 of them are taking part in the event for the first time.

Liu hailed the Olympic Games as the largest and most influential sporting event in the world as well as a platform for communications and exchanges.

“I hope that you can plant the seeds of friendship and become Chinese people’s ambassadors while delivering your best level,” she said.

Spearhead by 35 Olympic champions, the Chinese team are expected to win gold medals in table tennis, badminton, shooting, gymnastics, diving and weightlifting, the six sports in which they have long dominated.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong (C), President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, poses for photos with members of Chinese Olympic gymnastics team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 4, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong, President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, poses for photos with members of Chinese Olympic delegation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 4, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong (R), President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, delivers a speech during her visit to Chinese Olympic delegation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 4, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]