North Korea, after a prolonged absence from the global sporting stage due to strict border closures and pandemic-related restrictions, is making a remarkable comeback at the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou. The nation has not participated in international sporting events for over three years, missing both the Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, leading to an International Olympic Committee ban.
With 191 athletes registered for the Asian Games, it’s evident that North Korea is ready to end its isolation. The Games’ official website lists North Korean athletes competing in various disciplines, including athletics, gymnastics, basketball, football, boxing, and weightlifting.
Although there were indications of North Korean athletes’ participation in a weightlifting tournament in Cuba in June, they ultimately did not attend. The country’s tight borders and stringent pandemic measures had kept its athletes away from international competitions since early 2020.
The sporting action at the Hangzhou Games commences on September 19, four days ahead of the opening ceremony, with North Korea scheduled to face Taiwan in men’s football. North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, known for his passion for sports, may closely follow the team’s performance. China, the host of the Games, is North Korea’s long-standing ally and primary economic supporter.
Historically, North Korea has excelled in weightlifting, dominating the event at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games with eight gold medals. However, the country has faced doping-related sanctions in the sport, with multiple positive cases reported during qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics, according to the International Weightlifting Federation.
As North Korea prepares to rejoin the global sporting community, all eyes will be on their athletes in Hangzhou. Their return marks a significant moment in international sports after years of isolation and uncertainty. 🏅🌏 #AsianGames #NorthKorea #SportingComebackhttps://www.sportiwe.com/
