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The autumn sports contest of aged people-2026 took place at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium. 

More than 280 elderly people competed in table tennis and badminton in the contest.

According to Hwang Chol Ho, department director of the Central Committee of the Federation for the Care of the Elderly of Korea, the number of participants in the recent contest increased by more than 100 over last year.

The games of each event were played, divided into two categories.

Ri Hyon Sok and Ri Tok Bong, both aged 73, were the focus of attention in category A of the men’s doubles of table tennis.

The pair had already competed and been placed in the top three in the men's doubles of the contests of aged people several times in the past.

They beat all their rivals with overwhelming dominance in each game with the ability as great as professionals’ and rich experience.

The old persons, who took part in the games of category A in the women’s doubles of badminton, also showed exciting scenes with swift movements and polished skills, gaining the admiration of spectators. 

Especially thrilling was the women’s doubles of badminton between the pair of Pak Jong Sun and Kim Hye Gyong, both aged 65, and that of Kim Hye Son, aged 63, and Kim Chun Hui, aged 69.

They had ranked first and second in the past sports contests of aged people, said Hwang.

The seesaw match was very tight all the way to the set points and therefore it was hard to judge who would win till it reached the match point.

Finally, the pair of Pak Jong Sun and Kim Hye Gyong won the match 2-1.

Meanwhile, Kim Tok Su and Kim Yong Chang, both aged 89, took part in table tennis of the contest, attracting the attention of all spectators.

They were the oldest players in the contest, but they displayed surprising ability to draw loud applause of the viewers. 

In category A of the women’s badminton doubles 77-year-old Kim Hak Sil played matches with sensitive reaction and high techniques, winning acclaim from the spectators.

The oldest woman player in the contest, Kim reportedly began to play the sport at the age of 69, but trained hard to improve her techniques. And then she took part in the annual sports contest of aged people to be awarded six gold medals and diplomas.

“Increasing public interest and hearty cheers of the spectators in the contest are an expression of respect and warm affection for the aged people and all the participants feel it with great pleasure,” said Hwang Chol Ho.