North Korean athletes were officially welcomed at their living quarters in the Chinese city of Hangzhou for the 19th Asian Games on Friday, the eve of the opening ceremony of the quadrennial continental competition.

After official welcoming messages and gifts from host China, the North Korean delegation chanted rallying slogans and posed for a photo.

Most of them did not answer reporters on their way back to the residence, but a man who appeared to be a coach said their goal is to win and hoped for a good performance at the competition.

According to the organizers, North Korea has registered 185 athletes in 17 sports for the Asiad, the reclusive country's first appearance at an international multisport competition since the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

North Korea finished 10th at the previous Asiad five years ago, with 12 golds, 12 silvers and 13 bronzes.