Their good results, made in five months, struck the world's paddlers with admiration.

Kim Hyok Bong, 28, and Kim Jong, 24, are now active at the April 25 Sports Team of the DPRK.

Kim Hyok Bong, born in the capital city of Pyongyang, is a man of fine fiber while Kim Jong, born in local city of Hamhung, is an open-hearted girl strong in competitive spirit. They began learning table-tennis at the age of six and cultivated their skill at table-tennis groups of primary schools in their residential areas, distinguishing themselves in national tournaments.

It was seven years ago that right-handed Kim Hyok Bong and left-handed Kim Jong made up a pair for mixed doubles.

Recalling the days of their training, Kim Jong told KCNA:

"It was very difficult for me to put myself into step with my partner, four years older than me.

At the beginning our training and contests did not work smoothly, but we worked hard to cooperate in harmony with each other, improving our skills. My coach and partner helped me very much."

In the past the two paddlers won gold medals in mixed doubles of the 11th and 12th People's Games, Mangyongdae Prize Sports Games, DPRK Championships, etc. They also took bronze medals in mixed doubles of the Asian Table Tennis Championships twice.

Both of them were awarded with the DPRK title of People's Athlete.