Chinese President Hu Jintao (C ) shakes hands with a member of the returned Chinese Olympic Delegation during a meeting with the delegates in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2004. Hu Jintao praised the athletes' outstanding performance at the Athens Olympic Games during the meeting with them on Thursday. (Xinhua Photo)

   BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- President Hu Jintao congratulated the returned Chinese Olympic delegation on the athletes' outstanding performance at the Athens Olympic Games during a meeting with them Thursday.

　　Hu said the indomitable spirit and ethics the China's athletes demonstrated during the 17-day games "greatly enhanced Chinese people's self-confidence and sense of pride, and have become a strong spiritual force to push forward our cause."

　　He also called on Chinese athletes to remain clear-headed and be aware of their shortcomings at the time of the historic victory.

　　He encouraged Chinese athletes to strive for good performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and make bigger contribution to China's endeavor to build of a relatively affluent society in an all-round way and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

　　Hu also urged the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee and relevant departments to learn from the successful experience in Athens and to make the Beijing Olympic Games an excellent event through good preparation.

　　Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice President Zeng Qinghong were also present at the meeting held in the Great Hall of the People.

　　After the meeting, a reception was held to celebrate the Olympic delegation's return.

　　According to the final medal table of the Athens Olympic Games,China won 32 gold medals, 17 silver medals and 14 bronze medals, making this the country's highest-ever Olympics gold medal tally. Enditem will