In 1966, North Korea’s men’s national football team made history by defeating Italy and advancing to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Now, after a lengthy hiatus, the country’s women’s team appears poised for a remarkable comeback as the Women’s Asian Cup commences in Australia this Sunday.
The North Korean squad, known as the Eastern Azaleas, enters the tournament among the frontrunners, competing alongside strong teams from China, Japan, and the host nation Australia. This competition represents a significant return to the global football stage for North Korea’s women after enduring years of isolation exacerbated by international sanctions, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a previous doping scandal.
The doping controversy stems from the 2011 Women’s World Cup held in Germany, where five players tested positive for banned substances. The team attributed these results to an intriguing claim: they alleged that the players had been struck by lightning and were subsequently treated with a traditional Chinese remedy containing deer musk gland, which they argued led to the positive doping tests.
As the tournament unfolds, there is hope that the Eastern Azaleas can build on their historical legacy and unite the nation through the beautiful game. With a mix of talent and determination, there is optimism that this team can not only inspire the nation but also garner international respect once again in women’s football.