Kim Jong-un Meets North Korea U-20 Women's Soccer Team, Calls It an "Encouraging Occasion"

U-20 Soccer Champions North Korea... Kim Jong-un Greatly Encourages
Coach Ri Seong-ho and Player Choi Il-seon Highly Praised

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, is reported to have personally met and encouraged the North Korean national team that won the FIFA U-20 (under 20) Women's World Cup.

According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 1st, Chairman Kim called the women's football representatives to the headquarters building of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party the previous day and took commemorative photos, saying it was "an inspiring event that added optimism and joy to the entire country." He continued, "Every precious achievement that our athletes bring home from international competitions possesses a unique appeal and influence that further unites our people and powerfully propels them onto a path of vigorous struggle filled with vitality." To the players, he urged, "I hope you firmly grasp world dominance and further solidify that status."

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un met with and encouraged the women's national football team players who won at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Korean Central News Agency also reported that Chairman Kim highly praised player Choe Il-sun, who received the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards in this tournament, as well as coach Ri Song-ho for their contributions. In the released photos, Chairman Kim is seen smiling brightly and encouraging the players by holding their hands. Present at the meeting were Kim Il-guk, Minister of Physical Culture, and Sin Yong-chol, Secretary of the Football Association.

The North Korean women's football team defeated Japan in the final of the U-20 Women's World Cup held in Colombia on the 23rd of last month (local time), securing their third overall championship in this tournament. North Korea's record of victories in this competition is tied for the most in history alongside Germany and the United States.