Aided by world record-breaking performances by its weightlifters, North Korea made a comeback to the top 10 in the Asiad medal tally for the first time in 12 years at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

The communist country also drew spotlight for its proactive sports diplomacy by unprecedentedly sending high-ranking party officials as well as those from the sports circle to the South, boosting expectations that the continental event would serve as a breakthrough for icy inter-Korean ties.

With 150 athletes competing in 14 out of 36 sports at the multisport competition held in Incheon, the North bagged a total of 11 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze medals to finish seventh.

This is North Korea’s first Asiad and the second major international competition since its young leader Kim Jong-un took the helm of the country. Kim has put much emphasis on promoting both the sports sector and physical activities among the people under the motto of building “a strong sports powerhouse.” (Yonhap)