By Jung Min-ho
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday denied reports from the South Korean media that North Korea had requested some of its athletes be allowed to compete in the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics as ''wild cards.''
"We are unaware of any such request," Andrew Mitchell, an IOC spokesman, told The Korea Times. "In any case, we would like to confirm that the IOC does not provide wild cards for the Olympic Winter Games."
Mitchell added, "All athletes must meet the qualification criteria established between each International Federation and the IOC."
Quoting World Taekwondo Federation President Choue Chung-won, the Yonhap New Agency first reported Friday that the IOC was "actively considering" the option.
No North Korean athletes have earned a ticket to the Games, which will be held Feb. 7-23.
Under the IOC's policy of "continental representation," wild card slots can be earned with approvals from an athlete's national Olympic committee, the sport's international federation and the IOC. The allowance was meant to encourage developing nations to participate in the Olympics
In the history of the Winter Olympics, North Korea has participated in two Games and won a silver medal in 1964 and a bronze medal in 1992. Its athletes have earned 46 medals, including 14 gold medals, at the Summer Games.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday denied reports from the South Korean media that North Korea had requested some of its athletes be allowed to compete in the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics as ''wild cards.''
"We are unaware of any such request," Andrew Mitchell, an IOC spokesman, told The Korea Times. "In any case, we would like to confirm that the IOC does not provide wild cards for the Olympic Winter Games."
Mitchell added, "All athletes must meet the qualification criteria established between each International Federation and the IOC."
Quoting World Taekwondo Federation President Choue Chung-won, the Yonhap New Agency first reported Friday that the IOC was "actively considering" the option.
No North Korean athletes have earned a ticket to the Games, which will be held Feb. 7-23.
Under the IOC's policy of "continental representation," wild card slots can be earned with approvals from an athlete's national Olympic committee, the sport's international federation and the IOC. The allowance was meant to encourage developing nations to participate in the Olympics
In the history of the Winter Olympics, North Korea has participated in two Games and won a silver medal in 1964 and a bronze medal in 1992. Its athletes have earned 46 medals, including 14 gold medals, at the Summer Games.
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