Present at the reception were Kim Phyong Hae, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Yong Jin, vice-premier of the Cabinet, Kim Yong Hun, minister of Physical Culture and Sports, officials concerned, players, coaches and families.

Kim Yong Jin said that Hong and Ri's successes at the world championships were ascribable to the wise leadership of Marshal Kim Jong Un who is energetically steering the development of sports with a firm determination and will to build a sports powerhouse of Juche on this land, true to the behests of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

He called on all the sportspersons to fully prepare themselves politically and ideologically, physically and in technique, always bearing in mind the party's trust and expectation, and thus grab more gold medals in international games.

Hong in her reply speech renewed her resolution to undergo intensive training, always bearing in mind the party's loving care and trust in the sportspersons, and thus fly flags of the Republic at international games and demonstrate the spirit of Songun Korea.