Pyongyang, February 5 (KCNA) -- The 2024 National Winter Sports Contest opened with due ceremony at the ice hockey gymnasium in the Paektusan area sports village in Samjiyon City of the DPRK on February 4.

Taking part in the contest are the Taesongsan Sports Team, the Sports Team under the Ministry of Fisheries, the Sajabong Sports Team, the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex Sports Team, and other units. They will compete in more than specified 50 events of ice hockey, skiing and ice skating.

Present at the opening ceremony were officials concerned, sportspersons and citizens of Samjiyon City.

Kim Yong Gwon, vice-minister of Physical Culture and Sports, made an opening address.

At the end of the ceremony, there took place a men's ice hockey match between the Taesongsan Sports Team and the Pyongyang Railway Bureau Sports Team. -0-