SEOUL, July 30 (Yonhap) — North Korea has registered seven judokas to compete in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, according to the latest roster released on Sunday. This will mark North Korea’s first participation in a major international sporting event since the 2018 Jakarta Palembang Asian Games. The country’s decision to skip recent sporting events due to the pandemic has led to heightened anticipation for their return to the global sports stage.
The roster reveals that North Korea will send three male judokas, namely Chae Kwang-jin, Ri Kum-song, and Kim Chol-gwang, to compete in the men’s division. Meanwhile, four female judokas, Jon Su-song, Kim Won-kum, Mun Song-hui, and Kim Gyong-ran, have been selected to represent North Korea in the women’s division. All seven judokas are in their twenties, with most of them being relatively new to international sporting events. The only exception is Kim Chol-gwang, who has achieved notable success, winning silver and bronze medals in competitions hosted by the International Judo Federation.
Among the male judokas, Chae and Ri have previously competed in junior world championships, while Jon, in the female category, has participated in an international junior race. These young athletes will bring their talent and ambition to the Asian Games.
A South Korean official familiar with the matter has confirmed the finalization of North Korea’s roster for the Asian Games, stating that, unless unforeseen circumstances arise, the seven judokas will indeed compete in the games.
In addition to judo, North Korea is expected to have athletes competing in other categories, including football, women’s volleyball, and wrestling. The participation of North Korean athletes across various sports showcases their commitment to international sporting events, providing an excellent opportunity for inter-Korean exchanges and fostering peaceful cooperation in the sports arena.
As preparations for the Asian Games continue, the inclusion of North Korean athletes adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming event. With their remarkable skill and determination, these young judokas will strive to leave their mark on the international stage. As the world eagerly awaits the games, the focus now shifts to their performance and the opportunities for unity and friendly competition they will bring.
