The International Association of Athletics Federations-the 23rd Mangyongdae Prize Marathon and the 19th International Figure Skating Festival for Paektusan Prize are to be held in April and February respectively to celebrate the birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung and the birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. They are drawing public interest as they will contribute to the sports technique exchange and cooperation among nations in line with the ideas of the independence, peace and friendship.

The 24th Pyongyang International Invitational Table Tennis Tournament will be held in August.

Meanwhile, planned this year are such national tournaments as Paektusan Prize Sports Contest (February), Mangyongdae Prize Sports Contest (March-April), National Championships (February-March, August-November), Pochonbo Torch Prize Sports Contest (May-June), National Sports Contest of Provincial Teams (June), 13th National Jongilbong Prize Taekwon-Do Championships (June), Jonsung Cup Sports Contest (July) and Osandok Prize Sports Contest (December).