Korea Ranked 3rd with 26 Gold Medals... North Korea Ranked 9th

“See You Again in Izmir Turkey in 2005.”

The Summer Universiade Games, in which young athletes from 174 countries around the world participated and gave out their youth, longing for ‘Dream for Unity’, ended its 11 days of hot game by holding the closing ceremony on Aug. 31. In the youth games, Korea achieved the best record it the history by ranking 3 with 26 gold medals, 11 silvers and 15 bronzes, following China and Russia. North Korea ranked 9 with 3 gold medals, 7 silvers and 3 bronzes, and also for the first time in its history, the North won victory in women’s football without losing any points.

Also 5 athletes grabbed their 4 consecutive victory; Yang Tae-young(23. Korea) in the heavy gymnastics, Chasina Irina (21·Russia) in the rhythmic gymnastics, Yuiminsha(18·China) in the diving, and Klochkova Yana(21·Ukranina) and Prilukof Yuri(19·Russian)in the swimming. And 2 world records, 1 world record tie, and 34 records for the game were created.

North and South Korean athletes were jointly awarded the “Fair Play Award”, which is a new award in the game, given for their contribution in realizing the spirit of sports by transcending ideology.

Korea successfully finished the game by winning Japan in the men’s volleyball finals, by 3 to 2 on the closing day.

Meanwhile, at the closing ceremony held at the main stadium from 7p.m., players from various countries exchanged farewell words, already missing their new friends. The official ceremony started with its mascot Dreamy signaling the start. After the athletes entered the ceremony hall, the chairman of the organizing committee, Cho Hae-nyoung, delivered his speech, followed by the declaration of the game`s end by George E. Killian, the President of the FISU (Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire, International University Sports Federation).

The FISU flag was handed over to the Mayor of Izmir Turkey, Hamet Prishikina, and as the sacred fire that lit up Dalgubeol slowly died down, the global youth festival came to an end. North Korean athletes and the cheerleading squad plan to return to Pyongyang at 11a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sep.1, through Gimhae International Airport.