North Korea’s women’s football team asserted their dominance at the Asian Games with a resounding 10-0 victory against Bangladesh in Osaka, Japan. The side, widely considered among the top contenders for the gold medal, displayed their prowess early by establishing a commanding 7-0 lead before the half-time whistle. The squad benefited from the vocal support of hundreds of red-clad, pro-Pyongyang fans who maintained a rhythmic atmosphere throughout the match.
The roster includes striker Ri Song-a, a Japan-born player who featured in the starting lineup and contributed a goal in the second half. This match serves as the precursor to a highly anticipated Group F showdown against South Korea, scheduled for September 21. Meanwhile, the North Korean men’s team is slated to begin their own competition with a fixture against China this coming Wednesday.
This year’s Asian Games, officially opening in Nagoya-Aichi on September 19, will feature over 100 North Korean athletes competing across 14 different sports. The national contingent arrived in Japan last week, notably dressed in white blazers and pink ties.
North Korea’s presence marks a continuation of their return to major global sporting events. After an extended hiatus from international competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation successfully re-engaged with the global sports circuit at the 2023 Asian Games in China and subsequently participated in the Paris Olympics. The report also notes that which take place in Nagoya-Aichi and officially open on September 19, more than 100 North Koreans are set to compete in 14 sports at the games.
