Archery Comes under Public Attention in the DPRK

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Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, though busy with his ceaseless inspection of military frontline units, recently watched an archery match between the April 25 Defense Sports Team and the Amnokgang Defense Sports Team and had a picture taken with players.

From the ancient times archery has been regarded in Korea as a symbol of resourcefulness and bravery. It was one of the martial arts in the medieval age, along with horse riding, fencing and spearing.

Archery developed onto a higher level particularly in the period of Koguryo Kingdom (B.C. 277-A.D. 668). King Tongmyong, founder of Koguryo, was called Ju Mong in Korean which means a master hand at archery.

Archery has been one of the sporting events in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea since the 1960s. The DPRK proved successful in the event in some international tournaments.

Ri Chol Hyon, senior coach of the Amnokgang Defense Sports Team, told KCNA:

"It is my plan to develop the nation's archery technique onto a higher level than that in the 1970s-1980s. I am sure that it is one of feasible events for the DPRK.

The team has paid big efforts to putting the archery training on a scientific basis."

Inspired by Kim Jong Un's call for winning the world championship in the archery event, the coaches and players of the team are now intensifying training in high spirits.

Kang Hui Ryon, 19, an archer, said:

"I was honored to have a picture taken with Marshal Kim Jong Un.

I will pay up to his expectation with good results in international games." -0-

 

Many Local, International Sporting Events to Be Held This Year in the DPRK

Many local and international sports events will be held this significant year. They include sports contests for Paektusan Prize and Mangyongdae Prize marking the Day of the Shining Star, birth anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il, and the Day of the Sun, birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung, Pochonbo Torch Prize, Jonsung Cup and Osandok Prize as well as the 16th National Taekwon-Do Championship for Jongilbong Prize.

In February and April the 22nd Paektusan Prize International Figure Skating Festival, the IAAF-the 26th Mangyongdae Prize Marathon and others are to be held. Colorful mass sports games are also expected.

The 18th Paektusan Prize Sports Contest among Officials of National Institutions and the Mangyongdae Prize Sports Contest among officials of organs in the city will be held. The workers' sports contest in the field of coal mining industry and national workers' sports contest, basketball games of officials of national institutions and other sports contests are to be held.

Korean athletes will take part in international events to be held in different areas of the world. They will participate in the 6th East Asia Contest, the U-19 women's football, marathon, wrestling and judo tournaments and youth and juvenile weight-lifting championships.

Drawing the attention of the experts and amateurs are championships and contests including world championships of table tennis, wrestling, weight-lifting and swimming as well as world cup contests of gymnastics, archery, judo and shooting and international track-and-field meet.