The NPC of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has finalized its entry in the 2014 Asian Para Games, scheduled to take place in Incheon next month.
The Incheon Asian Para Games is scheduled from 18 to 24 Oct.
In an email to the Asian Paralympic Committee dated Sept 25, NPC North Korea stated that its delegation would consist of 33 members.
This marks the first time North Korea will take part in a multi-sport Para Games organised by South Korea.
APC Secretary General Ms Malini said that DPRK will compete in 4 sports – namely Athletics, Swimming, Archery and Table Tennis.
NPC DPR Korea expressed hopes that the participation of the North delegation would contribute to peace and friendship, and the continuous development of Para sports in the Asian region.
North Korea returned the Entry Summary form to the local organising committee, listing its 9-athlete participation in Archery with one athlete, Athletics (1), Swimming (3) and Table Tennis (4 athletes including 1 woman).
APC President Dato Zainal Abu Zarin welcomed North Korea’s participation, saying that sports is a powerful tool which could be used towards fostering and strengthening solidarity and relations amongst nations.
“We believe in our motto “One Vision, One Mission, One Hope” in strengthening ties through the enhancement of Para movement and Games, regardless of our differences,” said Zainal.
Dato Zainal looks forward to a smooth participation by the North, adding that APC has also provided assistance and support to IAPGOC in dealing with the issue.
The Asian Para Games follows the Incheon Asian Games, which concludes on Oct 4. Some 150 North Korean athletes from 14 sports who competed in the ongoing Asian Games, hogged the limelight as they received wide spread media attention due to issues surrounding the relations between the two countries.
