North Korea Sends 100 Athletes to Asian Games in Japan

North Korea is set to send a contingent of approximately 100 athletes to compete in 14 sports at the Asian Games in Japan later this year. This decision signifies a renewed engagement in international sports following a period where the country significantly restricted its athletes' overseas participation.

The delegation's size is notably smaller than the 185 athletes who represented North Korea in 18 sports at the last Asian Games held in Hangzhou in 2023. During that event, North Korean athletes secured 11 gold, 18 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

Despite the reduced team size, the secretary general of North Korea's Olympic Committee has expressed hope for an improved medal haul compared to the previous games. North Korea had previously opted out of the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021 and was unrepresented at the 2022 and 2026 Winter Olympics, citing global health concerns and pandemic-related restrictions.

The 20th Asian Games are scheduled to occur from September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya and other cities within Japan's Aichi prefecture, anticipating the participation of over 11,000 athletes from 45 nations.