Present there were Ri Thae Nam, vice-premier of the Cabinet, Pak Myong Chol, minister of Physical Culture and Sports, Ri Jong Mu, general officer of the Korean People's Army, and officials, sportsmen and coaches in the sports field.

Ri Thae Nam said in his speech at the reception that on behalf of the Cabinet he warmly congratulated the footballers on emerging a winner in the above-said championship.

The success made by the football players brought great joy to the servicepersons and people who are bringing about great innovations and leap forward in the drive for building a thriving nation, he noted, calling upon all the footballers and coaches to round off the Korean-style tactics and technique, intensify their trainings and thus register signal successes in international matches.

Ri Hyok Chol in his speech made on behalf of the footballers extended the warmest thanks and best wishes to General Secretary Kim Jong Il for having shown profound loving care for the sportspersons of the DPRK.

He renewed his will to shed more sweat in trainings with the single desire to continue glorifying the honor of Songun Korea with gold medals and thus live up to the expectations of the country and its people.