TRIPOLI - Libya's Olympic chief is targeting the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) for the country's first medal as he attempts to overcome the years of sporting neglect under Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

Nabil Elalem, president of the Libyan Olympic Committee, said the North African country hoped to send a team of nine to this year's Games in London to compete in judo, taekwondo, weightlifting and swimming.

However, he thought there was little chance of medals, in part because last year's eight-month war that toppled Gaddafi hampered training.

"In London, it will be quite difficult. We are a wounded nation, we are just recovering," the former Libyan judo champion said this week.

"But taking part in the Olympics is a clear message to the world that we are there, this is the new face of Libya, and we promise you to be future Olympic champions."

For years under Gaddafi's rule, athletes and sports officials put up with state meddling as well as restrictions on travel and under-funding.

Elalem said Libyans hoping to compete in the London Games were going abroad to train. - Reuters