North Korean football team triumphs in AFC Women’s Champions League final, marking a rare sporting milestone
Category: Sports
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally received the champions of the AFC Women’s Champions League, Naegohyang Women’s FC, in Pyongyang earlier this week, a moment filled with emotion as players celebrated their historic victory. The team won Asia’s top club title with a 1-0 defeat of Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the final held on May 23 in Suwon, South Korea. This marked a historic achievement as Naegohyang became the first North Korean team to win the prestigious tournament, as reported by state media.
The reception was a jubilant affair, with Kim embracing players and posing for photographs as they wept with joy and leapt in celebration. The event attracted members of the public and numerous ruling party officials, who cheered and waved miniature national flags, according to footage from APT News. Kim congratulated the players on their remarkable achievement and also attended a friendly match between Naegohyang and the under-17 women’s national side.
Naegohyang’s victory brought them the championship trophy and a prize of $1 million. Whether the team will receive this monetary reward remains uncertain due to the UN sanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program. Nevertheless, the win has been a source of pride for the nation, with state media hailing the squad as “proud daughters of the motherland,” who have showcased the spirit and mettle of the Korean people.
The championship run required Naegohyang to compete in South Korea, marking the first time North Korean footballers had traveled to the neighboring country since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. The team entered South Korea on May 17 to participate in the tournament, which was a historic moment as it was the first visit by a North Korean women’s football club to the South in 12 years. It was also the first time a club team, rather than a national team, had made such a visit.
In the semifinals, Naegohyang faced Suwon FC Women, where they secured a 2-1 victory to advance to the final. Goals from Choe Kum-ok and Kim Kyong-yong helped the team overcome a deficit following Haruhi Suzuki’s opener for Suwon. The coach, Ri Yu-il, expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, stating, “If we stick together as one, then we shouldn’t have any problem in the final.”
Ri emphasized their focus on winning, saying, “We came here strictly to play the match.” His remarks highlighted the significance of the event, especially considering no North Korean sports delegation had competed in South Korea since December 2018.
Following their victory, Naegohyang Women’s FC is now set to represent Asia in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, an opportunity that could raise the profile of North Korean sports internationally. The team’s success has sparked discussions about the potential for increased sporting exchanges and cooperation between North and South Korea.
As the players returned home, they were met with a warm reception, including flowers and cheers from supporters. This enthusiastic support was mirrored by a unique cheering squad formed by over 200 organizations, including peace forums and cultural foundations, which created a home-like atmosphere during the matches.
Looking ahead, the implications of this victory extend beyond sports. It may serve as a diplomatic bridge, fostering dialogue between the two Koreas, which have had a tumultuous relationship since their division after World War II. The recent developments in inter-Korean relations, particularly with South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung advocating for improved ties, may find a new avenue through sports.
As North Korea continues to navigate its international standing, the triumph of Naegohyang Women’s FC brings joy to their supporters and presents an opportunity for a more engaging narrative in the complex relationship between the two Koreas. The next steps for the team and their continued success on the international stage will be closely watched.