North Korea is set to send athletes to a major international sporting event for the first time since the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, as it eases coronavirus restrictions and reopens its borders.
South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported Sunday that the North has registered seven judoka to compete at the Sept. 23-Oct. 8 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China -- three men and four women, all in their 20s.
Among them, Kim Chol Gwang has won silver and bronze medals in competitions hosted by the International Judo Federation, Yonhap said, adding that North Korean athletes are also expected to compete in other sports such as football, women's volleyball and wrestling.
Photo taken on June 29, 2023, shows the main stadium for the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. (Kyodo)
