North Korea has announced that it will withdraw its decision to participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in order to protect its athletes from the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The National Olympic Committee of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea discussed and decided not to participate in the 32nd Olympic Games to protect athletes from the global health crisis caused by the vicious virus pandemic," North Korea's Sports Ministry said in a statement.
This development means that the isolated nation is the first country to officially pull out of the Tokyo event.
While North Korea's decision is not likely to have any impact on the holding of the Olympics, this crushes South Korea’s hopes of using the Tokyo Olympics as a venue to discuss various issues with officials from Pyongyang.
North Korea withdraws from 2021 Tokyo Olympics
06 Apr 2021
North Korea withdraws from 2021 Tokyo Olympics
06 Apr 2021