opinion

June 23 is Olympic Day. 

The word Olympics is derived from Olympia, a locality of ancient Greece, as sports games took place there.  

The ancient Olympics were abolished after ancient Rome’s occupation of Greece. 

From the latter half of the 19th century sporting activities were brisk and games of different events were held in many countries over the world, expanding exchange between countries in sports. This demanded that an international sports organization be formed and that sports games be systematized.

Accordingly, an international meeting of representatives of the sports sector held in Paris, France, in June 1894 decided to hold the first Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, in 1896.

Later, the International Olympic Committee decided to commemorate June 23, when the modern Olympic Games were initiated, as Olympic Day.  

On the occasion of the day, many countries hoist the Olympic flag and hold colourful events. 

The International Olympic Committee decided on the Olympic flag at the Olympics held in Paris in 1914. The flag is patterned with five blue, yellow, black, green and red rings linked with one another, which signify the five continents of the world. 

The slogan of the Olympics is “Faster, higher, stronger, together”.

The Olympics, whose mission is to boost friendship, unity and cooperation, accelerate the development of sports worldwide and help achieve peace and social progress, take place every four years. 

Today, the event is attended by lots of players from more than 200 countries and regions.

DPRK players, too, made many achievements in the past Olympic Games. 

They won four gold medals at the 25th and 30th Olympic Games respectively. Pae Kil Su, An Kum Ae, Om Yun Chol and many other athletes who won different events of the games have now developed into Labour Heroes and People’s Athletes. Among them are Kim Il and Rim Jong Sim, twice Olympic gold medallists.

As four-time world judo champion, Kye Sun Hui became an Olympic gold medallist in her teens. 

DPRK players also won three golds and two silvers at the Second Youth Olympic Games.

The 33rd Olympics are to be held in Paris, France, in summer this year. 

DPRK players will also achieve good results in the competition by fully displaying techniques they have practised in ordinary days. 

Now, the whole world is awaiting with great interest the Olympics which will boost peace, friendship and unity.