December 16, 1998

Day 10 of the Asiad started on the basketball court, where the Koreans continued their march toward the finals by beating a well regarded Phillipines team.   This was the first event I witnessed where the Korean fans were outnumbered and outcheered by the other team. Outside of the arena, players from just about every team had to endure the full court press of countless adoring autograph seekers.

 

Speaking of full court presses, the wrestlers next door put on quite a punishing exhibition of their skills.  The most captivating match was one of the last, between an Iranian and a North Korean.  Neither wrestler could score a point, so extra time continued to be extended.  The wrestlers panted, an Iranian coach kept screaming instructions, and the South Korean fans chanted the name of their northern neighbor. Click here to listen.  In the end, the match (still scoreless) was awarded to the Iranian by judges

 

From there it was off to the Gold Medal handmall match between between Korea and Kuwait.  Korea was in contol throughout, eventually winning by a score of 29-28