ATR First: IIHF Supports Joint Olympic Korean Team

(ATR) The International Ice Hockey Federation says allowing North Korean athletes to join the South Korean women’s ice hockey team for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics would be a diplomatic success.

"The IIHF supports the proposal to have a joint North/South Korean team," the federation tells Around the Rings in a statement.

"Considering the exceptional circumstances of these two countries and the opportunity offered by PyeongChang 2018, a joint North/South Korean women’s ice hockey team would positively reflect the Olympic ideals of social development and peace through sport."

The IIHF statement on Jan. 18 is the first indication from the federation that they would welcome the proposal since the idea was floated during three rounds of inter-Korean talks at the Panmunjom Peace Village in the Demilitarized Zone located between the two Koreas.

ATR is told IIHF President Rene Fasel will attend the four-party talks with Olympic and government officials from the two countries and the PyeongChang 2018 Organizing Committee hosted by the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne on Jan. 20. Fasel’s presence could facilitate approval for the joint hockey team. The meeting will be chaired by IOC President Thomas Bach.

However, the proposal raises concerns, including increasing the size of the roster to accommodate North Korean skaters. Other countries could view this as an unfair advantage for the Korean team. Logistics of an increased roster will also need to be addressed.

Sarah Murray, the head coach of the South Korean women’s team, said she had only heard of the proposal through media reports. Murray said to Yonhap that there are North Korean skaters that could bolster her squad, but any additions could mess with squad chemistry and coaching decisions.

The idea of a joint Korean women’s hockey team is one of several proposals included in North Korea’s participation in the PyeongChang Winter Games that will be analyzed and confirmed by the IOC on Saturday. Among the 11 proposals are marching as one country in the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 9.

If confirmed, the ceremony would mark the fourth instance North and South Korea have marched under a united Korean flag, having previously done so at the 2000, 2004 and 2006 Olympics.

"We are sure that the two Korean delegations will present their ideas and proposals at the meeting on Saturday in Lausanne," the IOC said in a statement. "This will then enable the IOC to carefully evaluate the consequences and the potential impact on the Olympic Games and the Olympic competitions.

"There are many considerations with regard to the impact of these proposals on the other participating NOCs and athletes. After having taken all this into consideration, the IOC will take its final decisions on Saturday in Lausanne."

Written by Kevin Nutley

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