During the festival, held on the occasion of the birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung, competitions will made in more than 540 categories of over 30 sporting events.

Present at the opening ceremony were Vice-Premier Ri Song Hak, officials concerned, athletes and Pyongyangites.

Minister of Physical Culture and Sports Kim Il Guk made an opening address.

The speaker stressed that all the players and coaches should skillfully apply diverse methods and tactics in each game and achieve good successes by fully displaying the sporting technique they have cultivated in ordinary time, the noble sportsmanship and the organizing ability and unity of their team.