Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia Sheikh Ahmaf Fahaf Al-Sabah has praised the 18th Asian Games 2018 that opened in Indonesia here on Saturday, saying that it was historic as it has united two countries of the Korean Peninsula.

"We made a history today because South and North Korea have united in one team to compete in the Asian Games 2018," he said in his speech at the 18th Asian Games opening ceremony at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

At the ceremony, athletes from South Korea and North Korea paraded under one flag, which is "Korea."

Tens of athlete representatives from the two countries were seen wearing white and light blue uniform, which is a combination of colors found in the Korea Unification Flag.

At the opening ceremony, the Korea Unification flag was seen flying along while athletes from the two countries walked into the arena waving the hands up.

As they were entering the Gelora Bung Karno stadium, Prime Minister of South Korea Lee Nak-Yon and Deputy Prime Minister of North Korea Ri Ryong Nam were seen standing hand in hand and waving to their athletes.

The South and North Korean joint team to the Asian Games 2018 proved their commitment to increase cooperation in the field of sports after leaders of the two countries met in May.

In the 18th Asian Games, the Korean team would only take part in three events, namely canoeing, rowing, and basketball.

The two countries also emerged jointly at the Winter Olympic 2018 in Pyeong Chang, South Korea, in February.

Reportinv by Genta Tenri Mawangi

Editing by Yosep Hariadi/Rahmad Nasution

Reporter: antara
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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