Women's hockey could bridge gap between North and South Korea at Olympics

Women’s hockey could bridge gap between North and South Korea at Olympics

Athletes from North and South Korean march together during the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. The countries have discussed marching together in next month's opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Staff Writer

Jan. 12, 2018 1:02 PM PT

North Korea’s potential involvement in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, is coming into clearer focus.

On Friday, a South Korean sports official told Yonhap News Agency the countries have discussed fielding a joint women’s hockey team and marching together in the opening ceremony on Feb. 9.

With tensions easing slightly in the region, the countries met this week to discuss possible areas of cooperation.

“Both sides will cooperate so that it is an opportunity to enhance the pride of the Korean people,” the governments stated in a joint news release.

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, said: “I warmly welcome the joint proposals by the governments of the ROK and DPRK, which have been applauded by so many other governments worldwide.”

Further meetings are expected to take place next week.

david.wharton@latimes.com

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Women’s hockey could bridge gap between North and South Korea at Olympics

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