Asian Games | DPR Korea misses Asian shooting events over ammunition issue

DPR Korea's shooting team missed both the women's and men's 10-meter air rifle events at the 2026 Asian Games over the past two days because of an ammunition approval issue.

DPR Korea had not obtained prior approval from the Japanese government required for the use of ammunition at the Games, an organizing committee official told Yonhap News Agency on Sunday, leaving the team's participation in the shooting competition uncertain.

Three DPR Korean shooters were entered in the women's individual event on Sunday, but did not compete, with the team's seats at the competition venue left empty.

Participation in international shooting competitions requires strict procedures for transporting firearms and ammunition, including advance declarations of firearm serial numbers and ammunition quantities to the relevant authorities.

DPR Korea sent six shooters, three men and three women, to the Games.