PUSAN, southward Korea, Sept. 23 Ky...

PUSAN, southward Korea, Sept. 23 Kyodo

The first delegation of North Korean athletes touched down in the southern Korean city of Pusan forward Monday for the upcoming Asian Games.

A assign places to of 159 athletes and officials arrived forward a special plane and were accosted by South Korean officials and supporters at Kimhae International Airport.

A 152-strong inferior group is expected Friday and a ship carrying more than 300 supporters is scheduled to arrive forward Sunday.

''I would like to thank everyone for this reception,'' said Cho Sang Nam, secretary general for the North Korean delegation.

The North has previously shunn all international competitions held in the southern including this summer's World goblet and the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Pyongyang's last-minute decision to send out athletes means all 44 of the Olympic Council of Asia member nations will take part in the generation 29-Oct. 14 games.

The brace Koreas, technically still at war after failing to sign a peace treaty after the 1950-1953 war onward the peninsula, have again agreed to march together in the opening ceremony

As in the Sydney Olympic Games couple years ago, athletes from the sum of two units countries will walk together in a less degree than the unification flag, which bears a downcast image of the Korean Peninsula upon a white background.

The North Korean flag is banned in the toward the south but authorities have made exceptions at the main stadium and athletes village.

However, the North's participation is likely to create waves for political reasons rather than sporting achievements.

The North finished in eighth place in the medal standings four years ago in Bangkok and medal visions this time are strongest in weightlifting and women's judo.

Atlanta Olympic gold judoka Kye sunny place Hi was among the athletes who arrived Monday along with basketball star to leeward Myung Heun, who at 235 meter tall will stand head and shoulders above the competition.

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