LOME, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Togolese medalist Benjamin Boukpeti received a warm welcome at the Lome international airport when he came home in triumph from the Beijing Olympics, local media reported on Sunday.

    Boukpeti won a bronze medal in men's kayak at the Beijing Olympics, the first Olympic medal for Togo. He was hailed as a national hero as he stepped out of the plane at the airport on Saturday.

    Togolese Minister of State Charles Kondi Agba met him on behalf of the President Faure Gnassingbe, alongside several other cabinet ministers and the chief of the National Olympic Committee.

    The Beijing Olympics opened on Aug. 8 and ended on Aug. 24.

    Accompanied by his father and coach, Boukpeti said he was deeply moved by the honor reserved for him, adding that he came to share these emotions with his compatriots.

    He described China as a great, beautiful country which is very impressive and capable of doing enormous and wonderful things.

    "When I realize that it is in Beijing that I have accomplished my object seeing the Togolese national flag being raised under the blue sky of Beijing, I am very happy," he said, demonstrating his souvenirs from China.

    Boukpeti said his next object is to seek a gold medal during the London Olympics in 2012.

    Agba, who is also the health minister, welcomed Boukpeti to return home, saying the bronze medal he has won is as valuable as the gold medal for the Togolese people. "Next time, we shall go higher at the podium," he said.

    President Gnassingbe and Prime Minister Komlan Mally will meet Boukpeti on Tuesday.