Iraqi athletes applauded at opening ceremony
Saturday, 9 August 2008
BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua): Spectators in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing warmly applauded the entry of the Iraqi delegation at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Friday night. The Iraqi delegation, a group of 10 including the flag bearer, strode into the stadium while the spectators paid tribute to the team by waving hands or flags, amid thunderous cheers and deafening applause. Iraq was first denied participation in the Beijing Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over Baghdad's alleged "political interference" in the Olympic affairs. The ban was lifted at the last minute after an agreement was brokered between the IOC and the Iraqi government at the end of July.
Meanwhile, South Korea marched in the Olympic opening ceremony at the Bird's Nest, China's National Stadium on the night.
The 389-member delegation included 267 athletes - 160 men and 107 women - who will participate in 25 out of 28 sports.
South Korea is favored for medals in archery, weightlifting, judo, taekwondo and table tennis.
In five of the past six Olympic Games, South Korea had ranked among the top 10 in the medals tally.
Meanwhile, South Korea marched in the Olympic opening ceremony at the Bird's Nest, China's National Stadium on the night.
The 389-member delegation included 267 athletes - 160 men and 107 women - who will participate in 25 out of 28 sports.
South Korea is favored for medals in archery, weightlifting, judo, taekwondo and table tennis.
In five of the past six Olympic Games, South Korea had ranked among the top 10 in the medals tally.