Unified Korean team sign off with basketball silver

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02:32

One of the big highlights from the Asian Games was the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) coming together to form joint teams for several events.

One of the events was women's basketball, where the Unified Korea team made it all the way to the final to face China and were guaranteed at least one silver to go along with the gold and two bronze medals the unified teams of the two sides already won.

The atmosphere in the arena known as the Istora was electric ahead of the Asian Games women's basketball final, as fans turned out in droves to support the Unified Korea squad.

"China is very strong, but we have our unified team to fight for gold. I am so honored to sit here to watch the final. I hope we can always unify as one team," said a Korean fan, who was cheering for the unified team.

This was the 11th time that athletes from the DPRK and the ROK have competed as members of joint teams on the international stage.

For many, the most memorable occasion was earlier this year at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, when the flag depicting a Unified Korean Peninsula flew at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

"PyeongChang was the first time we unified at such an event, and the Asian Games is the second time. We will try our best to show the spirit of Koreans," said Song Kwang-jong, the president of the National Unification Advisory Council.

Silver medalists Unified Korea celebrate during the victory ceremony for the women's basketball competition at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. /VCG Photo

Although the unified team eventually came up six points short against China in this gold medal game, the coaches and players said they were thrilled to win silver together, especially considering the brief amount of time they had to train as a single unit.

"I thought we only had a small chance before the game, but then I saw we had a chance to actually win. This is really important for us, and I think we will be better in the future," said Lee Moon-kyu, the coach of the Unified Korea women's basketball team.

And there might indeed be a future for this unified squad as ROK's Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has reportedly already sent an invitation to the DPRK to combine certain teams for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. If the proposal is accepted, it will mark the first time two sides would be competing together at the Summer Games.

"I have not received any definitive information about a unified team for Tokyo, but I am happy to hear the news, and we will try our best," said the silver-medal winning coach.

For the moment, the Unified Korea side can leave the Asian Games happy with a decent haul of medals, along with brighter hopes for the future.