North Korea's U-17 women's football team received a grand welcome in Pyongyang after defeating Japan 5-1 to claim a record fifth AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup title in China.
Government and party officials greeted the players at Pyongyang International Airport on May 19. The athletes received flower garlands and bouquets before boarding a flower-decorated bus for a parade through the city.
Pyongyang residents lined the streets and waved as the procession passed. Players shook hands with cheering crowds, and one player signed an autograph on a football given by a young boy.
Rodong Sinmun described the scene as "the city filled with joy and delight welcoming the nation's proud daughters." The win gave North Korea a record fifth title, surpassing Japan's four championships.
