15년만의 통일농구경기 개최... 남북, 체육교류 확대 염원
The Winter games in February broke the silence between the two Koreas, bringing about the reconciliatory mood on the Peninsula.
Once again sports is looked to help boost their unity.
This time, it's basketball.
Oh Jung-hee starts us off with Day 1 of inter-Korean friendlies held in Pyongyang.
Sports diplomacy continues on the Korean Peninsula.
The South-North Unification Basketball Games kicked off in Pyongyang's Ryugyong Chung Ju-yung Gymnasium on Wednesday.
For the first time in 15 years, South and North Korean basketball players had a chance to play on the same court and as one team.
Despite a lot of speculation, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un -- who's known for his love of basketball -- did not attend Wednesday's games.
But, high-level officials from the two Koreas were there.
North Korea's sports minister, Kim Il-guk, expressed hope the two Koreas could do more in their sports exchanges in the future.
"The basketball games are a happy occasion for the Korean people, organized by the leaders of the two Koreas who're aiming to bring down the barrier of division and put forward reunification. Through the games, the athletes will be able to treasure the affection and trust of one people."
And South Korea's unification minister Cho Myoung-gyon responded... that sports are paving the way for inter-Korean interactions.
"Through the Panmunjom Declaration, South and North Korea are moving towards a new era of peace and prosperity... and sports exchanges are on the forefront of that. The basketball games, especially, will contribute greatly to expanding sports interaction and boosting reconciliation."
Four games were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
On Wednesday, the teams were a mix of South and North Korean players.
And on Thursday, the two Koreas will compete against each other.
They'll be divided by color only -- one in red and the other in blue.
It's been agreed that national flags or anthems won't be used.
The games are not being televised live, but South Korea's major domestic broadcasters will show them next week.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.
