Sport · India Bureau
Asian Games organisers apologise after playing North Korea anthem for South Korea
Asian Games officials issued an apology on Saturday after the national anthem of North Korea was mistakenly played during a medal ceremony for South Korea's men's hockey team. The error has drawn attention to security protocols at the sporting event.
LSN India ·
Organisers of the Asian Games extended their "deepest apologies" on Saturday following a significant protocol breach in which the North Korean national anthem was played instead of South Korea's during a men's hockey medal ceremony.
The mix-up occurred during celebrations at the Games, raising questions about the verification procedures in place for such ceremonial moments. Officials moved swiftly to acknowledge the error and apologise to the South Korean team and delegation.
The incident has prompted organisers to review their anthem verification systems to prevent similar occurrences during the remainder of the Games. Such ceremonial errors at major sporting events can carry diplomatic sensitivity, particularly when they involve neighbouring nations with complex historical relations.
Asian Games officials emphasised that the mistake was unintentional and reiterated their commitment to ensuring proper protocols are followed during all remaining medal ceremonies and official functions at the event.