Kim Jong-un hosts victorious North Korean women's football team

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hosted the victorious Naegohyang Women's FC and the U-17 women's national team in Pyongyang, celebrating their recent sporting achievements. The reception highlighted the historic win of Naegohyang in the AFC Women's Champions League, where they defeated Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza. This victory marked the first time a North Korean club secured the top continental title.

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The players of Naegohyang Women’s FC, the team that just conquered Asia's main women's club tournament, burst into tears, applauded, and celebrated upon meeting Kim Jong-un face to face during an official reception in Pyongyang.

The team's journey to the championship was significant, involving a trip to South Korea for the decisive stages of the tournament. This marked the first return of North Korean athletes to the neighboring country in eight years, adding a symbolic layer to their success. State media, including the Rodong Sinmun newspaper, lauded the players as "proud daughters of the homeland," showcasing the spirit and strength of the Korean people.

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Kim congratulated the players and coaches on their sporting successes and wished them new titles in future competitions.

However, the trip was not entirely smooth. The team's coach reportedly left a press conference after a journalist referred to his team as "the Northern squad." Additionally, North Korean state media omitted mentions of the matches being held in South Korea. Despite these underlying tensions, the reception in Pyongyang saw officials and citizens gather to honor the champions, with images showing flowers and national flags.

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proud daughters of the homeland