North Korea women thrash Bangladesh 10-0 in Asian Games opener

n n

North Korea’s women’s football team launched their Asian Games with a 10-0 hammering of Bangladesh on Monday, cheered on by several hundred pro-Pyongyang fans in Osaka.

n

The North Koreans have enjoyed stunning international success at youth level and start among the favourites for gold in Japan.

n

They were far too hot for Bangladesh to handle and were seven goals ahead by half-time.

n

Striker Ri Song A, who was born and raised in Japan, was in North Korea’s starting line-up and scored in the second half.

n

North Korea were cheered on by a large group of red-clad fans, who sang and chanted throughout the match.

n

The men’s and women’s football teams were welcomed by supporters waving flags as they arrived for the Games last week wearing white blazers and pink ties.

n

More than 100 North Koreans are set to compete in 14 sports at the Games, which take place in Nagoya-Aichi and officially open on September 19.

n

Nuclear-armed North Korea suspended participation in international sporting competitions during the pandemic but returned at the Asian Games in China in 2023 and also took part in the Paris Olympics.

n

North Korea’s women face South Korea in a Group F grudge match on September 21.

n

The men’s team begin their campaign against China on Wednesday.

n

AFP

n n