Democratic Republic of Korea has pulled out of the Asian Wrestling Championship due to travel issues in wake of the Coronavirus epidemic. WrestlingTV was the first to report that the Korean squad will not be participating in the championships to be held in New Delhi from February 18 to 23.
The Wrestling Federation of India assistant secretary Vinod Tomar has now confirmed the development, which takes the World No. 1 Pak Yong Mi out of the way of Vinesh Phogat in the women’s 53kg competition.
Pak Un Gwang, Kim Han Song, Kwon Um Nam, Ro Yong Jin, Kim Hye Gyong, Choe Hye Gyong, Jong In Sun, Rim Jong Sim, Choe Tong II, Jong Myong Chol, Kang Myong, Kim Kuk Song, Han Su Min, Kim Jin Hyok, and Ri Sang Jin were the other Korean wrestlers named for the Asian Championships.
The North Korean officials have cited travelling issues due to the outbreak of coronavirus as the reason for the withdrawal. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) said that it received an email from the Korean authority regarding their pull-out.
“North Korea has withdrawn from the Asian meet,” Tomar said. “They were supposed to spend three-hour transit in China before flying to New Delhi. I think they were not comfortable with it so they withdrew.”
The travel plans of North Koreans have been affected due to massive cancellations of flights from China. More than 50 airlines have cancelled travels to Chine due to the epidemic which has claimed over 900 lives.
Afghanistan might replace North Korea. Though the WFI has agreed in principle, statutory compliances might still be an issue as the competition starts in a week’s time.
Afghanistan has sent a formal request to the WFI, asking for participation in the championship.
Although Afghanistan is late to enter the meet, WFI is positive about approving their request. “They are a little late to send the request for participation. However, we have no problem in allowing Afghanistan to enter the tournament,” Tomar said.
“We have forwarded the request to the Ministry of Home of Affairs and are awaiting their nod,” he added.
Asian Wrestling Championship will be held in New Delhi from February 18-23.
