N. Korea plays friendly football, ice hockey matches with Russia
An ice hockey match takes place between North Korean and Russian athletes under age 17 in Pyongyang, Wednesday, in this image published by the Korean Central News Agency, Thursday. Yonhap
North Korea has played friendly football and ice hockey matches with Russia in bilateral sports exchanges, state media reported Friday, as the two countries expand ties following the deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia in the war against Ukraine,
North Korea's national women's football team defeated Russia 5-2 in their friendly match held at Kim Il Sung Stadium the previous day, watched by workers, athletes, football fans and members of the Russian Embassy in the country, the Korean Central News Agency said.
It described the game as "a good opportunity to strengthen friendship between the athletes of North Korea and Russia and to develop football skills."
North Korean media also reported on an ice hockey match between North Korean and Russian athletes under age 17, held in North Korea on Wednesday, adding the Russian team was visiting Pyongyang at the invitation of the North Korean sports ministry.
Since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in June last year, North Korea has deployed troops to Russia to support its war with Ukraine, while widening bilateral cooperation across various other sectors.
In November last year, the two countries signed a protocol on enhancing sports exchanges, which called for hosting joint sports events.