North Korea to Send Around 100 Athletes to Asian Games in Japan
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
North Korea is set to send roughly 100 athletes to the Asian Games in Japan, marking the reclusive state's continued return to international sporting competitions following years of pandemic-related isolation. The delegation will compete across 14 sports in the games running from September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya and the Aichi prefecture.
Key Points
- North Korea's Olympic Committee secretary general Ko Chol-ho confirmed the team will include athletes competing in men's and women's football, weightlifting, boxing, and wrestling
- The delegation of around 100 athletes across 14 sports represents a significant reduction from the 185 athletes who competed across 18 sports at the Hangzhou Games in 2023
- North Korea won 11 gold, 18 silver, and 10 bronze medals at the 2023 Asian Games in China, with half the golds coming from weightlifting
- Two Japan-based ethnic Koreans will represent North Korea in women's football and karate, according to Ko Chol-ho's interview with Choson Sinbo
- More than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries are expected to participate in the 20th Asian Games
Why It Matters
The participation signals North Korea's gradual return to international sporting events after suspending overseas competition during the pandemic, though relations between Pyongyang and Tokyo remain frequently strained. The games serve as a rare opportunity for athletes from the isolated state to compete on the regional stage, with officials emphasizing that competitors are driven by motivation to bring pride to their leadership .
The participation signals North Korea's gradual return to international sporting events after suspending overseas competition during the pandemic, though relations between Pyongyang and Tokyo remain frequently strained. The games serve as a rare opportunity for athletes from the isolated state to compete on the regional stage, with officials emphasizing that competitors are driven by motivation to bring pride to their leadership .