(Asiad) N. Korean men's football coach vows best possible result at Asian Games

NAGOYA, Japan - North Korea's men's football coach Ri Kwang-chon has vowed to achieve the best possible results at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, highlighting support from the North Korean community in Japan. Every athlete strives for a medal, and Ri assured that his team will strive to meet its goals. Ahead of their Pool B match against China at Wave Stadium Kariya, Ri emphasized the team's commitment to perform well in the three preliminary matches and advance from the group stage.

The 20th Asian Games, the first of its kind in Japan in 32 years, is set to commence on Saturday, with football already underway. North Korea is part of Pool B alongside the UAE, Iran, and China, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. Ri expressed admiration for the numerous Japanese residents of North Korean descent, who were fervently supporting the North Korean women's football team during their opening match against Bangladesh at Nagai Stadium in Osaka.

The women's team secured a 10-0 victory over Bangladesh, setting the stage for a potential medal run. Ri attributed the women's team's success to the enthusiastic backing from their fellow North Koreans. However, when confronted by a South Korean journalist about his expectations for the Asian Games, Ri declined to comment, stating that the question was not pertinent to the competition.