DPRK to join first Paralympics in London

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will make their first appearance at the Paralympic Games in London this year, pro-DPRK media said on Wednesday.

The country sent Paralympic athletes to Beijing for training last week, according to the Tokyo-based Chosun Sinbo newspaper.

The paper said the athletes will compete in table tennis, swimming and athletics among other sports in London.

The Paralympics take place from Aug 29 to Sept 9 after the Olympic Games.

The DPRK won provisional membership of the International Paralympic Committee in March, the Korea Sports Association (KSA), in South Korea said.

"This is the first time DPRK has won the right to participate," a KSA official told South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

A country's previous participation in international competition helps its case in qualifying for the Paralympics, according to the Chosun Sinbo.

"(DPRK) athletes will gain that qualification through this trip to China," it said.

DPRK frequently competes in both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The country has so far competed in eight Summer Games and won 10 gold among a total of 41 medals.

The DPRK will also take part at London Olympics from July 27 to Aug 12, in women's football, weightlifting, the marathon, wrestling, table tennis, archery and shooting.

The country has also indicated they could send athletes to compete in other sports such as boxing, judo and diving.