During the championships, competitions will be held in 470-odd categories of 37 events such as football, basketball, volleyball and judo, with attendance of more than 100 sports teams including the April 25 Sports Team, the Amnokgang Sports Team and the Pyongyang Sports Team.

The championships will take place in ten cities and counties, including Pyongyang, Phyongsong and Sariwon, until Oct. 31.

Present at the opening ceremony were Choe Hwi, vice-chairman of the C.C., Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Sports Guidance Committee, Ri Ryong Nam, vice-premier of the Cabinet, Kim Jang San, secretary general of the DPRK Football Association, officials concerned, sportspersons and Pyongyangites.

At the end of the ceremony there was a men's basketball match between the April 25 Sports Team and the Amnokgang Sports Team.