China Claims Gold in Table Tennis Against North Korea

In an exciting showdown at the Olympics, China faced off against North Korea in the finals of table tennis, walking away with a shiny gold medal after a 4-2 victory.

The abbreviation «PRK» represents North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This name has been used since 1948, when North Korea wanted to distinguish itself from its neighbor to the south, known as the Republic of Korea, or KOR.

China’s winning duo, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, put on a stellar performance. The team from North Korea, consisting of Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong, secured the silver medal with their strong game.

Table tennis first made its Olympic debut at the Seoul Games back in 1988, featuring singles and doubles matches. In 2008, the format was changed to team competition, and mixed doubles were introduced for the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Historically, table tennis was dominated by central European countries like Austria and Germany. However, since it became an Olympic sport, China has taken the lead, amassing a whopping 60 medals, including 32 golds, over the years.

At the 2024 Olympics, China has already clinched one gold medal in table tennis, with North Korea earning its silver. The Republic of Korea also got in on the action, winning a bronze medal.

Looking ahead, North Korea’s table tennis team is set to compete against Puerto Rico in the women’s singles event at 9 a.m. Eastern on July 31.