North Korea to send 100 athletes to Asian Games in Japan amid tensions

North Korea announced plans to send around 100 athletes to compete at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, aiming to secure victories for leader Kim Jong Un. The delegation, set to participate in 14 sports including football, weightlifting, boxing, and wrestling, reflects Pyongyang’s return to international sports after pandemic-related absences.

Ko Chol Ho, secretary general of North Korea’s Olympic Committee, confirmed the participation during an interview with Choson Sinbo, a pro-North Korean publication based in Japan. The team includes two Japan-based ethnic Koreans competing in women’s football and karate. While smaller than the delegation sent to the 2023 Hangzhou Games, North Korean officials expressed confidence in achieving strong results.

"We are making every effort to live up to the expectations of our country and people by achieving even greater results," Ko stated. The Asian Games, running from September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, Japan, will test North Korea’s athletes after their return to global competition last year at the China Games and the Paris Olympics.

North Korea won 11 gold medals at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, with half coming from weightlifting. While Ko did not specify medal targets for Nagoya, he emphasized the athletes’ determination to succeed. "Our athletes are training tirelessly every day, determined to bring joy to Marshal Kim," he said.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Pyongyang and Tokyo, with North Korea criticizing Japan’s remilitarization. Despite diplomatic friction, the participation underscores North Korea’s engagement in international sports as a platform for national pride.

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